tirsdag den 30. november 2010

Calyptra / Vampire Moth (Real Monster)


Today is Tuesday and it’s time for a real monster a true monster. Meet the Calyptra or vampire moth!

The Calyptra is a genus of moths that differentiates in a way from common moths. The thing that is special about these insects is their diet. These nocturnal bugs are known so suck blood, which is why they’re also known as vampire moths! And if you think that these critters might only suck the blood of small critters you are wrong. Some species of vampire moth can penetrate human skin in order to feast.


To be honest I felt safe from these guys because I live in Denmark and I thought that these moths only lived far south. I found out though that recently these moths have been changing their habitat. Originally the vampire moth Calyptra Thalictri was native to Malaysia but they’ve been spotted as close to me as Sweden which is my neighbor country. I wonder when one of these guys will turn up in my country!

But I’m not trying to scare you guys… OK I am, but you should know that a bite from one of these guys is only slightly worse than a mosquito bite and that scientists believe that there is no health risk if you should become a meal for one of these guys! :)

20 kommentarer:

  1. Can cause Lepidopteral Derangement Syndrome (LDS).
    Symptoms include an irresistible urge to bang your head on light fittings and polygamy.

    SvarSlet
  2. not as good as the lizard that shoots blood from his eyes.

    SvarSlet
  3. Those are fricking scary! A giant one of those would make a great supervillin.

    SvarSlet
  4. a blood sucking moth! shooot i thought moths were pretty safe creatures.

    SvarSlet
  5. woah... i always thought of moths as harmless critters that destroy your clothes! didn't think some of them were into sipping on your blood!

    SvarSlet
  6. That is both creepy as hell, and awesome.

    SvarSlet
  7. It looks like a killer tick!

    SvarSlet
  8. Dracula Moth is here, everybody alert the vampire diaries !

    SvarSlet
  9. Vampire moths, what will nature think up next?

    SvarSlet
  10. no health risk or not.. Eww at being bit by one of these. Moth are kinda creepy as it is though. In my opinion. :)

    SvarSlet
  11. no risk, great bring em on :)

    seriously though.
    good post, interesting

    SvarSlet
  12. thats a wild looking creature. those things by its eyes look like big ears.

    SvarSlet
  13. Imagine if that moth would be 3 feet tall.

    SvarSlet
  14. ugh, bascially hugh mosquitos.

    SvarSlet
  15. no way that thing is real!
    eeeekkk if it is.

    SvarSlet
  16. Vampire moths. Hmmm, very interesting. Also that person in the photo, why would someone let a bug suck their blood? To those who live in cold weather, you are probably very safe from these creatures.

    SvarSlet