Little Carpenterworm vs Vampire Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Little Carpenterworm Vampire Moth
Scientific Name Prionoxystus macmurtrei Calyptra thalictri
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Cossidae Erebidae
Size 25–45 mm wingspan Wingspan 40-50mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Little Carpenterworm

A smaller relative of the carpenterworm moth that bores into oaks and other hardwoods. Larvae create long tunnels through the sapwood and heartwood.

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Did You Know?

Its tunnels reduce the commercial value of lumber and provide entry points for wood-decay fungi.

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.