''Euthrix potatoria'', the drinker, is an orange-brown
moth of the family
Lasiocampidae.
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The species' common and scientific names derive from the larva's supposed drinking of drops of dew.
Name
The scientific name ''Euthryx potatoria'' was given to this moth by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. In choosing the name ''potatoria'' ‘drinker-like’, he was inspired by the Dutch entomologist Johannes Goedaert, who had called the animal ''dronckaerdt'' ‘drunkard’ “because it is very much inclined to drinking”. This remark refers to the moth’s habit of repeatedly plunging its head into the water. The English name ''drinker (moth)'' also refers to Goedaert’s analogy.
Subspecies
Subspecies
In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...
include:
Distribution and habitat
This species can be found in Europe. The species is fairly common in the southern half of Britain. In Scotland, it is common in the west but not in the east of the countr
It is most frequently found in marshy places, fens and riversides but may also be seen in drier, grassy terrain.[
]
Status
In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Description
Imago
The imago has a wingspan of 45–65 mm. The yellowish females are slightly larger than the orange-brown male but both sexes usually show the two distinctive white spots on the forewing.[UK Moths]
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Females have slightly serrated antennae, while male have deeply combed antennae.[Insight.com/drinker-moth-euthrix-potatoria-bf-1640/ Wildliifeinsight]
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Larvae and pupae
The fully grown larva is about 6 cm long, hairy, striped and spotted, with distinctive tufts fore and aft. Larvae hibernate while young and resume feeding in the spring, pupating in a cocoon during the summer.
Biology
This nocturnal moth flies from June to August depending on the location. Males especially are attracted to light.[ The females lay their eggs in small clusters, mainly on the stem of grasses or reeds.][ The larvae feed on various grasses and reeds ('' Alopecurus'', '' Deschampsia'', '']Dactylis
''Dactylis'' is a genus of Eurasian and North African plants in the bluegrass subfamily within the grass family. ''Dactylis'' is native to North Africa, they are found throughout the world, and are an invasive species. They are known in Englis ...
'', '' Elytrigia'', '' Carex'', '' Luzula'' and other '' Gramineae'').[Paolo Mazzei, Daniel Morel, Raniero Panfil]
Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa
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Gallery
File:Caterpillar Eating.jpg, Drinker moth caterpillar eating grass.
File:Euthrix potatoria caterpillar (side view) - Keila.jpg, Caterpillar
File:Drinker moth caterpillar (Euthrix potatoria) underside.jpg, Caterpillar (ventral)
File:Male Euthrix potatoria on its chrysalis.jpg, alt=
File:Euthrix potatoria 001.jpg, Mounted specimen. Male
File:Euthrix potatoria.female.jpg, Female
References
External links
Lepiforum.de
{{Taxonbar, from=Q261060
Lasiocampidae
Moths described in 1758
Moths of Japan
Moths of Europe
Moths of Asia
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus