Geniculatus Kissing Bug vs Common Bagworm Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Geniculatus Kissing Bug Common Bagworm Moth
Scientific Name Panstrongylus geniculatus Psyche casta
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Reduviidae Psychidae
Size 26-30 mm Males 12-15 mm wingspan; females wingless
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Central America, South America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Geniculatus Kissing Bug

A large, widespread triatomine found from Mexico to Argentina that typically inhabits armadillo burrows. It has been implicated in oral outbreaks of Chagas disease via contaminated food.

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Did You Know?

It is strongly attracted to light and frequently invades homes near forested areas at night.

Common Bagworm Moth

A small moth whose larva builds a distinctive portable bag from silk and plant debris that it carries everywhere. Adult females are wingless and never leave their larval bag.

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Did You Know?

The wingless female mates, lays eggs, and dies entirely within the bag she built as a caterpillar.