Marsh Pug - Eupithecia pygmaeata

Wingspan 14 to 18 mm. This is quite a small brown, or bluish brown species.

Occupying both damp habitats such as marshes and fens, and drier locations like sand dunes and waste ground.

It flies in May and June.

The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of field Mouse-ear (Cerastium arvense) and probably other Cerastium spp.

Uncommonly distributed in scattered localities over central and northern England, Scotland and parts of Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).