Drinker Moth
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Drinker Moth
Euthrix potatoria
The Drinker Moth is a fluffy, brown moth that loves to fly around at night. It has beautiful wings that look like soft, fuzzy blankets and is often found in gardens and fields.
Habitat: Gardens and fields
Appearance
The Drinker Moth has a stout, very hairy body, often tawny or yellowish-brown. Males are smaller and more orange, while females are larger and paler. Both sexes have a distinctive small white spot on each forewing that helps them blend into dry grasses.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyLasiocampidaeGenusEuthrix
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Drinker Moths are much larger and usually paler in color than the males!
Male Drinker Moths are fast flyers and zoom around in the daytime looking for mates!
The name 'Drinker' refers to its caterpillar, which sips dew, not the adult moth!
When scared, the fuzzy caterpillar curls into a tight ball to protect itself!
Special abilities
Ability
Dew Drinker
Drinker Moth caterpillars can drink dew drops directly because they live in damp grasslands, helping them stay hydrated.
Ability
Winter Sleeper
Drinker Moth caterpillars can survive freezing winters because they 'hibernate' amongst leaf litter until spring.
Ability
Disguise Master
Drinker Moth caterpillars have furry, bristly hairs that make them look like a spiky plant, helping them hide from birds.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 45-70 mm
- Size
- 25-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Its fuzzy caterpillars munch on grassy plants, but adult moths prefer to sip dew!
Age differences: Caterpillars eat plants, while adults usually don't eat or only drink dew.
Primary Foods
- Phragmites australis
- Molinia caerulea
- Deschampsia cespitosa
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Birds like Great Tits feed on Drinker Moth caterpillars.
eaten by
Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
Bats often hunt adult Drinker Moths at night.
eats
Common Reed
Phragmites australis
Drinker Moth caterpillars munch on the leaves of reeds.
eats
Purple Moor Grass
Molinia caerulea
Caterpillars feed on various damp-loving grasses.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually safe to observe, but it's best not to touch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drinker Moth's wingspan?
45-70 mm
How big is Drinker Moth?
25-40 mm
How long does Drinker Moth live?
7-14 days
What does Drinker Moth eat?
Its fuzzy caterpillars munch on grassy plants, but adult moths prefer to sip dew!
Where is Drinker Moth usually found?
Gardens and fields
How does Drinker Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Drinker Moth have?
6
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