Cloaked Pug
Eupithecia abietaria
This record describes Eupithecia abietaria (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae feed internally in the cones of Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce and Noble Fir. A scarce species, once resident in a range of scattered locations throughout Britain, but apparently dying out in the early part of the 20th century. Since then it has been rediscovered in parts of England Wales and Scotland. The species is also an immigrant, which may explain the re-occurrence. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Eupithecia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed internally in the cones of Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce and Noble Fir.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A scarce species, once resident in a range of scattered locations throughout Britain, but apparently dying out in the early part of the 20th century. Since then it has been rediscovered in parts of England Wales and Scotland. The species is also an immigrant, which may explain the re-occurrence. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Eupithecia abietaria. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloaked Pug
What is Cloaked Pug?
Cloaked Pug (Eupithecia abietaria) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Cloaked Pug found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Cloaked Pug active?
Cloaked Pug: seasonal activity - The adults fly in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Cloaked Pug?
The larvae feed internally in the cones of Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce and Noble Fir.