Pubic Louse vs Vampire Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pubic Louse Vampire Moth
Scientific Name Pthirus pubis Calyptra thalictri
Order Phthiraptera Lepidoptera
Family Pthiridae Erebidae
Size 1.5-2 mm Wingspan 40-50mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pubic Louse

A broad, crab-shaped louse that infests coarse body hair, primarily in the pubic region. It is transmitted through intimate contact.

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Did You Know?

Pubic lice are more closely related to gorilla lice than to human head lice, suggesting an ancient host-switching event between primate species.

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.