Geometridae

70.184 Mottled Pug Eupithecia exiguata (Hübner, [1813])

Common

Similar species: Brindled Pug Eupithecia abbreviata usually has a large pale area to the outer side of the forewing dash, but lacks the two evenly sized dark patches of scales in the apex of the wing. It normally flies earlier in the year (but the two do overlap).

Forewing: 11 to 12mm

Habitats: Woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn, Dogwood, Barberry or Rowan and occasionally Sycamore and other deciduous trees and shrubs. It pupates in a cocoon just under the soil.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Alder Buckthorn.