Brindled Pug
Common NameBrindled Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia interruptofasciata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, olive
HabitatConiferous woodlands, heathland, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, including British Isles, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsPicea spp. (spruce), Abies spp. (fir), Larix spp. (larch), Pinus spp. (pine)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green or brownish and feed on the needles of various conifers. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, with the pupal stage overwintering.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown and olive-brown forewings with wavy dark lines and a prominent dark discal spot. The cryptic pattern helps it blend in with tree bark. Identification can be challenging due to similarity with other 'pug' moths.
Description
This is a small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey-brown and olive-brown wings, featuring wavy transverse lines and a distinct dark discal spot on the forewings. Its overall appearance provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
