Juniper Pug
Common NameJuniper Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia oxycedrata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatJuniper woodlands, heathlands, rocky areas
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host PlantsJuniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus communis
Flight PeriodAugust to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on juniper needles, pupating in the soil or leaf litter. The species overwinters as an egg or pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its association with juniper and its specific mottled grey-brown pattern, though often requires examination of genitalia for definitive identification from similar pug moths.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey-brown wings, designed for camouflage against bark or lichen. It typically rests with its wings spread flat.
