Currant Pug
Eupithecia assimilata
This record describes Eupithecia assimilata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Although superficially similar to several other Eupithecia species, this moth usually has a distinct black mark on the forewing, a broken white subterminal line ending in a 'toothed' white blotch and a general chestnut colour to the forewings. Size can also help distinguish it from the Wormwood Pug. The wingspan of Currant Pug is 17-22 mm whereas Wormwood Pug has a wingspan of 21-23 mm. It inhabits woodland edges, gardens and allotments. Flies during May and June, with a second brood in the south during August. The larvae lives on Hop and Red or Black Currant. Fairly common and widespread throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Larentiinae
- Tribe
- Eupitheciini
- Genus
- Eupithecia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits woodland edges, gardens and allotments.
Seasonal Activity
Flies during May and June, with a second brood in the south during August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae lives on Hop and Red or Black Currant.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Eupithecia assimilata. 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.
Photos of Currant Pug (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Currant Pug
What is Currant Pug?
Currant Pug (Eupithecia assimilata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Currant Pug?
can also help distinguish it from the Wormwood Pug. The wingspan of Currant Pug is 17-22 mm whereas Wormwood Pug has a wingspan of 21-23 mm.
Where is Currant Pug found?
Habitat: It inhabits woodland edges, gardens and allotments.
When is Currant Pug active?
Currant Pug: seasonal activity - Flies during May and June, with a second brood in the south during August..
What is the life cycle of a Currant Pug?
The larvae lives on Hop and Red or Black Currant.