Round-spotted Pug
Common NameRound-spotted Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia rotundopuncta
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, cream
HabitatConiferous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeWestern North America (British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Rocky Mountains)
Host Plantsfir (Abies), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga), hemlock (Tsuga)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other geometrid moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on conifer needles, pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge in the spring/summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall grey-brown cryptic pattern, the presence of a distinct roundish dark discal spot on the forewing (though variable in prominence), and its association with coniferous forests. Precise identification often requires examination of genitalia due to similarity with other *Eupithecia* species.
Description
This is a small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring darker spots and wavy transverse lines. Its hindwings are paler but similarly patterned, blending well with bark and lichen.
