This fuzzy creature is equal parts adorable and puzzling, making you question the line between reality and science fiction. Setting the internet on fire due to its bizarre resemblance to a Pokemon or demonic Furby, meet the mysterious Venezuelan Poodle Moth. First discovered in 2009 by zoologist Arthur Anker of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, an enigmatic snapshot of the strange little guy quickly made its rounds online.
Due to its distinctive antenna and physical characteristics, the Poodle Moth is believed to be a new species of moth, belonging to the lepidopteran genus Artace. The bizarre, white creature with bulging, black eyes and strange, brown antennae is a seeming blend between a large moth and a fluffy white poodle, but is in fact a real creature. Rare enough that photos only surface occasionally, and in doing so baffle the internet and confuse the general public, a closer examination is necessary before actual classification of the animal can occur. In the meantime, the images that do emerge continue mystify the world at large, only adding to the elusive mystery that surrounds this strange little moth creature.
Meet the mysterious Venezuelan Poodle Moth, an fuzzy insect that’s equal parts adorable and puzzling.
via [The Dodo]