Japanese Luna Moth vs Vampire Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Luna Moth Vampire Moth
Scientific Name Actias gnoma Calyptra thalictri
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Erebidae
Size 80-110 mm wingspan Wingspan 40-50mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Blood Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Luna Moth

A smaller Japanese moon moth known as 'o-mizuao-ga,' with elegant pale green wings and long tail streamers. Found in mountain forests of Japan, appearing in early summer.

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Did You Know?

The delicate trailing tails on the hindwings spin in flight, creating acoustic confusion that diverts echolocating bats away from the moth's vital body.

Vampire Moth

A dull grey-brown moth with a uniquely evolved proboscis capable of piercing mammalian skin. Males occasionally drink blood for sodium.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the only moths known to drink blood from mammals including humans using its hardened barbed proboscis.