Drinker Moth (Euthrix potatoria)

OTHER NAMES: The Drinker

Latin Etymology: Euthrix (?) potatoria (?)

Larval form of Drinker Moth (Euthrix potatoria - unknwon subspecies) at Rainham Marshes, London - June 2016

Featured Subspecies: ?
Wingspan: 45-65m
UK STATUS NOT EVALUATED / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

The adult of the drinker moth is a fairly large round species which is almost entirely unfirmly brown.  As a caterpillar it can grow up to 6cm long and it is this form that gives it it's name - it allegedly drinks dew while in this form.  It also hibernates over its first Winter before eventually flying in July and August.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lasiocampidae
Genus: Euthrix
SUBSPECIES: E. p. askoldensis, E. p. bergmani, E. p. feminalis, E. p. potatoria 

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A fairly common resident.

 - Seen at Rainham Marshes,

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto