Geometridae

70.174 Pinion-spotted Pug Eupithecia insigniata (Hübner, 1790)

Notable B

Similar species: A distinct species unlikely to be mistaken for other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 10 to 12mm

Habitats: Mature Hawthorn hedgerows along green lanes. Hawthorn hedges around gardens, especially if associated with an apple orchard.

Habits: The moth is rarely seen as it only occasionally comes to light and this is often after 1.30am, although a 2019 recorder of this moth says it was one of the first moths to arrive at the light trap.

Foodplant: The larva feeds mainly on Hawthorn, but also on Crab Apple and cultivated Apple. It pupates in the leaf litter, under moss or in loose soil.

British larvae do not appear to accept Blackthorn in captivity. On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on Blackthorn and Pear.