Grey Pug
Eupithecia subfuscata
This record describes Eupithecia subfuscata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 17 to 21 mm. There are two main forms. The typical form is brownish, but the dark grey form obscurissima is also quite common, especially in urban areas. It can be found in a wide range of habitats. It flies in May and June, and sometimes again in August. The larvae live on a variety of herbaceous plants, eating the flowers and leaves. A common and widespread species throughout most of 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 can be found in a wide range of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in May and June, and sometimes again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae live on a variety of herbaceous plants, eating the flowers and leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common and widespread species throughout most of 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 subfuscata. 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 Grey Pug (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grey Pug
What is Grey Pug?
Grey Pug (Eupithecia subfuscata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Grey Pug found?
Habitat: It can be found in a wide range of habitats.
When is Grey Pug active?
Grey Pug: seasonal activity - It flies in May and June, and sometimes again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Grey Pug?
The larvae live on a variety of herbaceous plants, eating the flowers and leaves.