Do moths bite humans and animals?

Many species of moth don't even have a mouth at all. Those that do, though, have a narrow “tongue” called a proboscis which they use to drink nectar from flowers. This proboscis is thin and weak, and feels like a piece of hair tickling your skin, it can't puncture skin. read more

Generally, no; most moths neither do nor can bite. There are, however, a few sanguivorous moths, such as the vampire moths of the genus Calyptra. Lacryphagy is more common; that is, 'feeding' not on blood, but tears. It's a way of acquiring both water and valuable salts. read more

Moths and butterflies are potentially dangerous to people in one context: eating them. While most butterflies and moths are likely non-toxic to hungry humans, a few species -- like the familiar monarch butterfly (Family Nymphalidae) -- feed on poisonous or unpalatable plants as larvae. read more

Although most moths do not bite, rare species from the genus Calyptra do sometimes bite human beings to feed on their blood, according to DermNet NZ. Usually, however, moths do not actively attempt to harm human beings or other mammals. read more

While most butterflies and moths are likely non-toxic to hungry humans, a few species -- like the familiar monarch butterfly (Family Nymphalidae) -- feed on poisonous or unpalatable plants as larvae. Monarch caterpillars feed largely on milkweed, which contains cardenolides -- poisons that act on heart muscle. read more

A: Although most moths do not bite, rare species from the genus Calyptra do sometimes bite human beings to feed on their blood, according to DermNet NZ. Usually, however, moths do not actively attempt to harm human beings or other mammals. read more