Geometridae

70.179 Wormwood Pug Eupithecia absinthiata (Clerck, 1759)

Common

Ling Pug f. goossensiata. Local heathland form

Similar species: Bleached Pug Eupithecia expallidata has a broader pale forewing (12 to 13mm) with cross-lines and a less obvious white spot in the trailing corner. Currant Pug Eupithecia assimilata has a smaller (9 to 12mm), broader, reddish forewing and an even more obvious white spot in the trailing corner. Pimpinel Pug Eupithecia pimpinellata has a grey and pale brown forewing with a more prominent discal spot with a surrounding grey area, a wavy outer crossline and an orange rather than black bar across the abdomen. Campanula Pug Eupithecia denotata has less prominent markings on the leading edge of the forewing and lacks the dark band across the base of the abdomen.

Forewing: 11 to 13mm

Habitats: Open woodland, moorland, heathland, grasslands, road verges, salt-marsh, tidal river-banks, sand-dunes and gardens.

Ling Pug f. goossensiata heathland.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the flowers of ragworts, Mugwort, Yarrow, Wormwood, Sea Wormwood, Sea Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, Goldenrod, Canadian Goldenrod, goosefoots, Hemp Agrimony, Field Scabious, Heather and other herbaceous plants. It pupates in loose soil.