Grey Pug Moth
Common NameGrey Pug Moth
Scientific NameEupithecia subfuscata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, heathland, various open habitats
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America
Host Plantshawthorn, blackthorn, willow, birch, oak, heather
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs in the soil, with the pupa overwintering.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size and typical pug moth posture. The forewings are generally mottled grey-brown with faint cross-lines and a small central spot, though coloration can be variable. Often requires close examination or genitalic dissection for definitive identification from similar pug species.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled grey, brown, and whitish forewings, featuring indistinct darker bands and a small discal spot.
