Geometridae

70.159 Cypress Pug Eupithecia phoeniceata (Rambur, 1834)

Recent Colonist

Similar species: The rare immigrant Prickly-juniper Pug Eupithecia oxycedrata which is smaller.

Forewing: 9 to 11mm

Habitats: Conifer plantations, parkland and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Monterey Cypress, and possibly Leyland Cypress and Lawson's Cypress which are accepted in captivity. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon amongst needles on the foodplant.