Drinker Moth vs Mountain Stone Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Drinker Moth Mountain Stone Weta
Scientific Name Euthrix potatoria Hemideina maori
Order Lepidoptera Orthoptera
Family Lasiocampidae Anostostomatidae
Size Wingspan 45-65mm 40-60 mm
Habitat Wetlands Mountains
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia South Island, New Zealand
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.

Mountain Stone Weta

A freeze-tolerant weta found in alpine regions of New Zealand. It shelters under rocks and can survive being frozen solid during harsh winters.

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Did You Know?

It can survive temperatures as low as -10°C by allowing ice to form in its body fluids without cell damage.