Vampire Moth vs False Ringlet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vampire Moth | False Ringlet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Calyptra thalictri | Coenonympha oedippus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | Wingspan 40-50mm | 30-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Wetlands |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Scattered localities in Europe, east to Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened (critically endangered in EU) |
Vampire Moth
A dull grey-brown moth with a uniquely evolved proboscis capable of piercing mammalian skin. Males occasionally drink blood for sodium.
Did You Know?
It is one of the only moths known to drink blood from mammals including humans using its hardened barbed proboscis.
False Ringlet
A small, drab brown butterfly with a row of striking silver-centred eyespots on the hindwing underside. It is one of the most endangered butterflies in western Europe.
Did You Know?
It has vanished from over 90% of its former European range in the last century due to wetland drainage.