70.165 Pimpinel Pug Copyright Martin Evans
 70.165 Pimpinel Pug and 	Ling Pug Copyright Martin Evans
 Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
 Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans  70.165 Pimpinel Pug Copyright Martin Evans

Geometridae

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

Local

Similar species: Ling Pug Eupithecia goossensiata is a smaller (9 to 11mm) heathland species, with a smaller discal spot without the surrounding grey area, a less wavy outer crossline and a black rather than 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.