Geometridae

70.159 Prickly-juniper Pug Eupithecia oxycedrata (Rambur, 1833)

Immigrant

Similar species: Cypress Pug Eupithecia phoeniciata is larger. Check the genitalia.

Forewing: 6.5 to 9mm

Habitats: The moth is a Mediterranean species found amongst Prickly-juniper understory in dry, open oak forest and rocky gullies. It is found from southern Portugal to Turkey in Europe and on the African coast from Morocco to Tunisia.

Habits: The moth comes to light. The first British record was from Peacehaven, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly on the night of 1st October 2023.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers and needles of Prickly Juniper. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon amongst needles on the foodplant.