The scientific name ‘Euthryx potatoria’ was given to this moth by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Choosing the name ‘potatoria’ (drinker-like) was inspired by the Dutch entomologist Johannes Goedaert, who had called the animal ‘dronckaerdt (drunkard) because of the caterpillar’s habit of drinking dew from grass stems. The English name ‘drinker moth’ also refers to Goedaert’s observation.
This species is found in Europe in marshy places, fens and riversides but may also be seen in drier habitats, including urban gardens. This is where I coincidentally found the moth. Unfortunately, it only granted me an extremely short photo session. From the two photos I was able to take, one was blurred and one (this one!) in focus. Lucky me!