Southern Dogface vs Vampire Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Dogface Vampire Moth
Scientific Name Zerene cesonia Calyptra thalictri
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Pieridae Erebidae
Size 46-64 mm wingspan Wingspan 40-50mm
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Nectar Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions North America, Central America, South America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Southern Dogface

Yellow butterfly with a pointed forewing showing a poodle-dog-face pattern in black. Males have a warm orange flush on the upper wing surface.

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Did You Know?

The forewing markings form a recognizable dog face profile when the wings are spread open.

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.