The stregoni benefici (“beneficial vampire”) of Italy is a type of vampiric being that preys on other vampires. However, there is a great deal of confusion as to whom or what it is. Some sources say that the stregoni benefici is a living witch or LIVING VAMPIRE; others say it is a vampiric halfbreed, similar to a DHAMPIRE. Still others claim that it is not a vampire living or undead, but rather a normal human being who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of slaying vampires (see UNDEATH).

Source: Bunson, The Encyclopedia of Vampires, 247; Drakakis, Gothic Shakespeares, 182; Oinas, Essays on Russian Folklore and Mythology, 116