Yarrow Pug - Eupithecia millefoliata

Description

Wingspan about 21 mm. The species has an overall greyish appearance but there is a subtle blending of colours.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

This is a rare species in our area, please retain the specimen until confirmed by the County Recorder.

Habitat

Originally found to be occupying a variety of open coastal and scrubby situations in Britain, but may now be spreading further inland into areas where Yarrow is present.

When to see it

The flight period is June and July.

Life History

The larvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds of Yarrow.

UK Status

Quite a scarce species which is slowly expanding its range.  It is mainly found in the south and east of England.

VC55 Status

Rare in VC55 (Leicestershire and Rutland).  The Sapcote record of 29th June 2025 was the first confirmed record for our area.

Reference
70.186 BF1841

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Yarrow Pug
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Geometridae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
29/06/2025 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
09/07/2025 (Poole, Adam)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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