Wormwood Pug
Common NameWormwood Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia breviculata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)19
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, open woodland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia Minor
Host PlantsArtemisia absinthium, Artemisia vulgaris
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'looper' caterpillars that feed on the flowers and seeds of various Artemisia species. Pupation occurs in the soil, overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include the whitish ground color with extensive brown and dark grey mottling, and a distinct black discal spot on the forewings. Its small size and cryptic pattern are typical of 'pug' moths.
Description
A small moth with whitish forewings heavily mottled with shades of brown and dark grey, featuring a prominent black discal spot. The hindwings are paler grey.
