Mottled pug

The mottled pug (Eupithecia exiguata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found across the Palearctic region apart from around the Mediterranean Sea. It is common in the British Isles apart from Scotland where it is rather local.

The wingspan is 20–22 mm and the forewings are brown marked with pale radial lines and a black discal spot. The hindwings are cream or grey also with a discal spot. The species flies at night in May and June and is attracted to light, sometimes in large numbers.

The larva feeds on the foliage of various trees and shrubs (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

Subspecies

Recorded food plants

References