Drinker Moth vs Tawny Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Drinker Moth Tawny Cockroach
Scientific Name Euthrix potatoria Ectobius pallidus
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Lasiocampidae Ectobiidae
Size Wingspan 45-65mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Wetlands Hedgerows
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Tawny Cockroach

A small outdoor cockroach native to Europe that lives in leaf litter and low vegetation. It is harmless and does not infest buildings.

💡

Did You Know?

It was recently discovered living wild in North America after being absent from the continent for 49 million years, having arrived via imported goods.