Zelmira Pug
Common NameZelmira Pug
Scientific NameEupithecia zelmira
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyLarentiinae
Wingspan (mm)19.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorstan, brown, grey
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas with deciduous and coniferous trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, elm, cherry, willow, poplar, blueberry
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are 'inchworms' that feed on the foliage of various woody plants before pupating.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate, wavy cryptic pattern of browns and greys, typical of many 'pug' moths. A small, dark discal spot is usually present on the forewing. Definitive identification often requires examination of genitalia due to similarity with other Eupithecia species.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled light brown, tan, and grey wings featuring intricate wavy dark lines and a small discal spot on the forewings.
