Trophid Moth

The trophid moth is a type of large moth with a distinctive mane of long, fluffy hair.

Adolescents

Trophid moth caterpillars are sometimes colloquially called "flufferpillars" or "flying fluff balls". They share the fluffy manes of their adult counterparts across their entire backs. These caterpillars seem to have magical gravity-defying powers, and they use them to jump from place to place. Their jumping is not too strong, so they can be seen floating somewhat slowly to their destinations. If a trophid caterpillar is interrupted mid-flight they will end up floating about aimlessly until they finally come into contact with another surface. Not surprisingly, the cocoons that these caterpillars form when transitioning to adult are also quite fluffy.

Adults

Trophid moths are famous for their long, furry mane. The mane of the adult trophid moths form a fluffy ring around their collar, as well as covering their back. These strands of fur seem to be quite hydrophobic and a hostile environment for fungus spores, which is important for the regions they thrive in. These moths uniquely have a tin tail at the end of their torso that leads to what is commonly called their "pom-pom", a piece of body that is also covered long fluff. Adult trophid moths, measured from the tip of the head to the end of the tail commonly range in size from 36cm to 50cm, but have sometimes been seen as large as 75cm. Their wing span is about 30% greater than that. They retain some of the gravity-defying properties of their caterpillar form, though much weaker. Because of this, they appear to fly very gracefully with minimal flapping.

Habitat

Trophid moths are common in the region of Umiera but can be found in other areas of deep forest in fewer numbers. They prefer an environment that stays dark most of the time and has abundant fungi.