Columbia Pug
Common NameColumbia Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia columbiata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, white
HabitatConiferous forests, mixed woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia south to California, east to Montana)
Host PlantsPseudotsuga menziesii, Tsuga heterophylla, Abies grandis, Picea
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'looper' caterpillars that feed on the needles of various conifer trees. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsThis small, cryptically patterned moth is difficult to distinguish from other 'pug' moths in the genus Eupithecia without examining genitalic structures. Look for its overall brown and gray mottled appearance and its presence in conifer-dominated habitats.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brown, gray, and whitish wings, featuring indistinct darker bands and a cryptic pattern that aids in camouflage.
