Small Purplish Gray
Common NameSmall Purplish Gray
Scientific NameEupithecia subfuscata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, reddish-brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, hedgerows, gardens, heathland
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, North Africa, Asia
Host Plantshawthorn, willow, birch, blueberry, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodApril to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis moth is univoltine, having one generation per year. Larvae feed from June to September, and the species overwinters as a pupa in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the overall purplish-gray and brown mottled appearance, and the characteristic wavy cross-lines on the forewings, often with a reddish-brown central area. Males typically have feathery antennae.
Description
A small moth with mottled gray and brown forewings, featuring intricate wavy dark lines and often a reddish-brown central band. The hindwings are paler gray with faint banding.
