Geometridae

70.169 Angle-barred Pug Eupithecia innotata (Hufnagel, 1767)

Common

Ash Pug f. fraxinata Common on Ash

Tamarisk Pug f. tamariscatiata Uncommon in the south on Tamarisk

Similar species: A large brown narrow-winged pug with indistict cross-lines which are angled near the leading edge. The area between the most visible outer cross-line and the forewing dash is often darker forming a whorled blotch. Unlikely to be mistaken for any other pug unless really worn, because of the size and wing shape.

Forewing: 10 to 12mm

Habitats: Mainly coastal sand-dunes.

f. fraxinata Woodland, parkland, hedgerow trees and gardens.

f. tamariscatiata Coastal areas where Tamarisk has naturalised and coastal gardens.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Sea Buckthorn, Ash, Tamarisk, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Elder. It pupates under moss or loose bark or in loose soil.

On the European mainland its primary foodplants are Mugwort or Field Wormwood, with Ash or Blackthorn and probably Sea Wormwood as secondary hosts.