Four-spotted Granite
Common NameFour-spotted Granite
Scientific NameEupithecia absinthiata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorslight brown, grey, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, waste ground, and other open areas
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, North America
Host PlantsArtemisia, Achillea, Tanacetum, Solidago, Senecio, Calluna
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of a wide variety of herbaceous plants and shrubs. Pupation occurs in the soil, and the species typically has one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled grey-brown forewings with two prominent dark brown spots on each wing, one near the leading edge and one closer to the wing tip. The overall 'granite-like' appearance is also a good clue.
Description
This is a small, cryptically colored moth with mottled light brown and greyish forewings. Each forewing features two distinct dark brown spots, one near the costa and another towards the apex.
