Vampire Moth vs Tan Spotted Sedge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vampire Moth Tan Spotted Sedge
Scientific Name Calyptra thalictri Hydropsyche instabilis
Order Lepidoptera Trichoptera
Family Erebidae Hydropsychidae
Size Wingspan 40-50mm 11-15 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia 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.

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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.

Tan Spotted Sedge

A medium-sized caddisfly whose larvae construct net retreats in fast-flowing upland streams. Adults are tan with spotted wings.

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Did You Know?

Larvae aggressively defend their net territories from neighboring caddisflies.