Vampire Moth vs Carpenterworm Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vampire Moth Carpenterworm Moth
Scientific Name Calyptra thalictri Prionoxystus robiniae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Cossidae
Size Wingspan 40-50mm 40–75 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Blood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Carpenterworm Moth

A large North American moth whose larvae bore into the heartwood of oaks, elms, and other hardwoods. It is the most destructive wood-boring moth in eastern forests.

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Did You Know?

Larvae create tunnels up to 25 mm wide and take three to four years to complete development.