Larch Pug
Eupithecia lariciata
This record describes Eupithecia lariciata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 22 mm. A rather plain brownish species. As the name suggests, this is a species generally found in and around plantations of Larch. It flies during May and June, when it can be attracted to light. The small stripy caterpillar feeds on the needles of larch, and is well-camouflaged. The species overwinters in the pupal state. Distributed widely throughout the British Isles where Larch is present. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
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
As the name suggests, this is a species generally found in and around plantations of Larch.
Seasonal Activity
It flies during May and June, when it can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The small stripy caterpillar feeds on the needles of larch, and is well-camouflaged. The species overwinters in the pupal state.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed widely throughout the British Isles where Larch is present. 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 lariciata. 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 Larch Pug
What is Larch Pug?
Larch Pug (Eupithecia lariciata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Larch Pug found?
Habitat: As the name suggests, this is a species generally found in and around plantations of Larch.
When is Larch Pug active?
Larch Pug: seasonal activity - It flies during May and June, when it can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Larch Pug?
The small stripy caterpillar feeds on the needles of larch, and is well-camouflaged. The species overwinters in the pupal state.