Vampire Moth vs Striped Alder Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vampire Moth Striped Alder Sawfly
Scientific Name Calyptra thalictri Hemichroa crocea
Order Lepidoptera Hymenoptera
Family Erebidae Tenthredinidae
Size Wingspan 40-50mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America, Europe
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.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the only moths known to drink blood from mammals including humans using its hardened barbed proboscis.

Striped Alder Sawfly

A brightly colored sawfly with an orange body and black markings on the thorax. Larvae are pale yellowish-green with dark dorsal stripes and feed on alder and birch.

💡

Did You Know?

This species can reproduce both sexually and parthenogenetically, with unfertilized eggs developing into males.