Freyer's Pug
Eupithecia intricata
This record describes Eupithecia intricata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 20-24 mm. There are three subspecies of the large, rather distinctive Pug E. intricata in Britain: they are Freyer's Pug (ssp. arceuthata ) occurring in the southern half of England; Edinburgh Pug (ssp. millieraria ) which occurs in northern England and Scotland and Mere's Pug (ssp. hibernica ), occurring only in the Burren region of western Ireland. The species inhabits parks, gardens, moorland, or limestone hills, depending on the subspecies. The adults fly in May and June in a single generation. Reasonably frequent and widespread in 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
The species inhabits parks, gardens, moorland, or limestone hills, depending on the subspecies.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in May and June in a single generation.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Lives on Cypress or Juniper.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably frequent and widespread in 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 intricata. 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 Freyer's Pug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Freyer's Pug
What is Freyer's Pug?
Freyer's Pug (Eupithecia intricata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Freyer's Pug found?
Habitat: The species inhabits parks, gardens, moorland, or limestone hills, depending on the subspecies.
When is Freyer's Pug active?
Freyer's Pug: seasonal activity - The adults fly in May and June in a single generation..
What is the life cycle of a Freyer's Pug?
Lives on Cypress or Juniper.