Drinker moth - Philudoria potatoria - Family: Lasiocampidae

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Drinker moth - Philudoria potatoria
© Roger Key/English Nature

Male drinker moths, seen in July, are large and reddish-brown with orange veins running through the wings. They have an orange furry body. The females are larger and generally more yellowish in appearance, and have a very much larger abdomen. The females often find it difficult to fly properly because of their large size. Both have two whitish markings in the centre of the forewing. The colouring and markings can vary somewhat.

The very dark, large hairy caterpillars of this moth can be seen from August to September and April to June. Cuckoos can eat them but probably no other birds. The caterpillars feed on coarse grass and reed, hibernating from October to April when they resume feeding. Their long-recognised habit of drinking drops of dew from plants gives us the common English name. The caterpillars pupate in June. This large moth is common and widespread in Great Britain, and can be found in gardens where there are stands of coarse and lightly managed grasses.

Food

A variety of grasses and sedges, including cock's-foot grass (Dactylus glomerata).

Plants

Cocksfoot

Predators

Cuckoo