Vampire Moth vs Evergreen Bagworm Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vampire Moth Evergreen Bagworm Moth
Scientific Name Calyptra thalictri Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Psychidae
Size Wingspan 40-50mm Males 25 mm wingspan; females wingless and legless
Habitat Rivers & Streams Gardens
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Evergreen Bagworm Moth

A North American bagworm whose larvae construct spindle-shaped bags covered in bits of leaves and twigs. Heavy infestations can completely defoliate and kill ornamental evergreen trees.

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Did You Know?

The adult female is so reduced that she is essentially a bag of eggs with no wings, legs, eyes, or functional mouthparts.