Haworth's Pug
Eupithecia haworthiata
This record describes Eupithecia haworthiata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12 to14 mm. One of the more easily recognisable of the Pugs ( Eupithecia spp.), with its orange or yellowish abdomen. The species can be found inhabiting woodland and chalky or limestone downs. The small, greenish caterpillars feed on the buds and flowers of Traveller's-joy. Widespread but local in the southern half of Britain, scarce elsewhere. 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
The species can be found inhabiting woodland and chalky or limestone downs.
Seasonal Activity
On the wing in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The small, greenish caterpillars feed on the buds and flowers of Traveller's-joy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in the southern half of Britain, scarce elsewhere. 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 haworthiata. 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 Haworth's Pug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Haworth's Pug
What is Haworth's Pug?
Haworth's Pug (Eupithecia haworthiata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Haworth's Pug found?
Habitat: The species can be found inhabiting woodland and chalky or limestone downs.
When is Haworth's Pug active?
Haworth's Pug: seasonal activity - On the wing in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Haworth's Pug?
The small, greenish caterpillars feed on the buds and flowers of Traveller's-joy.