Wormwood Pug
Common NameWormwood Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia absinthiata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, dark-brown
HabitatHeathland, woodland edges, gardens, waste ground, and other areas where host plants are abundant.
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America.
Host PlantsArtemisia absinthium (Wormwood), Senecio jacobaea (Ragwort), Achillea millefolium (Yarrow), Solidago (Goldenrod), Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are typically green or brownish with darker markings, feeding on the flowers and seeds of various herbaceous plants. They pupate in the soil or among leaf litter, overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, mottled brown-grey coloration, and the prominent dark discal spot on the forewings. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend into its surroundings.
Description
This is a small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and grey-brown wings, often blending seamlessly with bark or sandy substrates. Its forewings feature faint cross-lines and a distinct dark discal spot.
