During the summer of 2008, a previously unknown population of vampire moths was discovered in Siberia, Russia. The Siberian population of the species known as Calyptra thalictri uses its hook-and-barb-lined tongue to drill beneath the skin of animals and suck blood. Other populations of this moth do not suck blood at all. Biologists believe this behavior may be an example of recent evolutionary changes.National Geographic: Vampire Moth Discovered... (October 27, 2008)
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Populations of blood-sucking moths have been found in Finland since 2000, where they are believed to suck only human bloodTreehugger: Skin-Piercing Vampire Moth Vants Your Blood (June 6, 2007)
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DNA studies are planned to confirm the relationship between the different moth populationsNational Geographic: Vampire Moth Discovered -- Evolution at Work (October 27, 2008)
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May be part of a sexual mating ritual, where the male presents gifts of blood to the femaleNational Geographic: Vampire Moth Discovered -- Evolution at Work (October 27, 2008)
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