Geometridae

70.165 Pimpinel Pug Eupithecia pimpinellata (Hübner, [1813])

Local

Similar species: Wormwood Pug Eupithecia absinthiata has a darker warm brown forewing with a less prominent discal spot without the surrounding grey area, a less wavy outer crossline and a black rather than dark orange bar across the abdomen. The more strongly marked form of Pimpinel Pug is similar to Yarrow Pug Eupithecia millefoliata, but that species has a straighter leading edge to the forewing, more contrasting cross-lines, less obvious markings on the leading edge and lacks the orange bar across the abdomen.

Forewing: 11 to 12mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, including limestone downland and disused quarries. Also on short-turfed road verges and woodland rides.

Habits: The moth occasionally flies about the foodplant during the day and sometimes comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the ripening seed-capsules of Burnet-saxifrage. It pupates in a cocoon in loose soil.