Larch Pug - Eupithecia lariciata

Description

Wingspan 19 to 22 mm. A rather plain brownish species.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

As the name suggests, this is a species generally found in and around plantations of Larch.

When to see it

It flies during May and June, when it can be attracted to light.

Life History

The small stripy caterpillar feeds on the needles of larch, and is well-camouflaged. The species overwinters in the pupal state.

UK Status

Distributed widely throughout the British Isles where Larch is present. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).

Reference
70.163 BF1856

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
Larch Pug
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Geometridae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
01/07/2001 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
17/06/2025 (Harding, Ian)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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