Caithness Moths - Drinker

[Pterodroma]

http://forum.caithness.org/picture.php?albumid=152&pictureid=932

This is the first record of Drinker in Caithness, although as it has been recorded just west of the County line in north Sutherland it was an expected addition to the Caithness list. A moth of boggy areas on moorland the adult is on the wing from late June into August, having over wintered as a small larva. The larvae feed on coarse grasses and reeds.

[spurtle]

http://forum.caithness.org/picture.php?albumid=152&pictureid=932

This is the first record of Drinker in Caithness, although as it has been recorded just west of the County line in north Sutherland it was an expected addition to the Caithness list. A moth of boggy areas on moorland the adult is on the wing from late June into August, having over wintered as a small larva. The larvae feed on coarse grasses and reeds.

I found two larvae of this beautiful moth many years ago as a teenager in a grass filled ditch at Iresgoe between Wick and Sarclet. Don't like to think of it but over 40 yrs ago! - the caterpillar is also very attractive and gets its name from its supposed habit of drinking dewdrops from the grasses on which it feeds.