Euthrix potatoria
Primary tabs
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lasiocampidae
Genus: Euthrix
Species: E. potatoria
Common name: Drinker
Flight season: June–August
These are medium to large size moths (Forewing 21-25mm) with a furry body. The males are generally rusty brown or ochre, whilst the females are yellowish-brown or buff. The males have feathered antenna which are used to detect female pheromones. Both sexes have two distinctive white spots on each forewing.
It thrives in wetlands, fens, and grassy areas, with adults flying from June to August. While still fairly common it's numbers have decline due to habitat loss from mowing and marsh drainage.
The name "Drinker" comes from the caterpillar’s observed habit of drinking dew or water droplets.
The caterpillars are large and hairy, with bold markings, with charactaristic white or yellow dorsal spots near the head. The body colour is usually bluish-black with orange or yellow lines, and tufts of short grey hairs.
