Drinker Moth vs Feathered Thorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Drinker Moth Feathered Thorn
Scientific Name Euthrix potatoria Colotois pennaria
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Geometridae
Size Wingspan 45-65mm 40-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Drinker Moth

A large golden-brown moth named because its caterpillar was observed drinking drops of dew from grass blades.

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Did You Know?

Named in the 18th century by a naturalist who repeatedly observed caterpillars carefully drinking water droplets from grass.

Feathered Thorn

An autumn-flying moth with warm orange-brown wings and males bearing dramatically feathered antennae. It flies late in the year when few other moths are active.

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Did You Know?

Males use their enormous feathered antennae to detect female pheromones on cold autumn nights.