# Taxonomic Revision of Vampire Moths of the Genus Calyptra (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Calpinae) in Chinese Fauna

## TL;DR

This study identifies seven species of vampire moths in China and provides detailed illustrations of their anatomy and taxonomy.

## Contribution

The paper presents the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of Calyptra moths in Chinese fauna, including detailed morphological illustrations.

## Key findings

- Seven species of Calyptra were identified in Chinese fauna.
- Detailed illustrations of male and female genitalia are provided for each species.
- A worldwide checklist of the genus Calyptra is included.

## Abstract

Calpinae is a subfamily of nocturnal moths in Erebidae, and this subfamily is well recognized for its unusual feeding habits, which include fruit-piercing and blood-feeding activities that are uncommon in Lepidoptera. This subfamily includes the genus Calyptra, commonly known as vampire moths, which is fascinating for its ability to pierce fruit and, in some cases, mammalian skin to feed on blood. These moths are found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and their feeding habits vary, with some males displaying hematophagy, while others prefer fruit piercing. So far, no thorough research has been conducted on this genus within Chinese fauna, and this study provides a detailed explanation of its taxonomy within this context. In this study, we identified seven species of this genus in Chinese fauna. Illustrations of male and female genitalia are also provided.

Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 is an important genus of fruit piercers and blood feeders with 18 described species worldwide. Both sexes of all Calyptra species pierce fruit. Adults feed upon and damage soft-skinned (e.g., Rubus and Vitis) and thicker-skinned fruits (e.g., Ficus and Citrus) in subtropical and tropical Asia. These moths are rare examples of a lepidopteran lineage that uses its fruit-piercing mouthparts to pierce the skin of vertebrate animals occasionally. In China, 10 species of this genus have been reported. Here, we identified seven species of the genus Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 from Chinese fauna, including C. gruesa, C. thalictri, C. hokkaida, C. albivirgata, C. orthograpta, C. fletcheri, and C. lata. Detailed illustrations of male and female external morphology and genital structures are provided. A comprehensive worldwide checklist of the genus Calyptra is also included. This study highlights significant taxonomic revisions and morphological features for this genus within Chinese fauna.