Marsh Pug
Eupithecia pygmaeata
This record describes Eupithecia pygmaeata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 14 to 18 mm. This is quite a small brown, or bluish brown species. Occupying both damp habitats such as marshes and fens, and drier locations like sand dunes and waste ground. The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of field Mouse-ear ( Cerastium arvense ) and probably other Cerastium spp. Uncommonly distributed in scattered localities over central and northern England, Scotland and parts of Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
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
Occupying both damp habitats such as marshes and fens, and drier locations like sand dunes and waste ground.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of field Mouse-ear (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommonly distributed in scattered localities over central and northern England, Scotland and parts of Ireland. 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 pygmaeata. 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 Marsh Pug (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marsh Pug
What is Marsh Pug?
Marsh Pug (Eupithecia pygmaeata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Marsh Pug found?
Habitat: Occupying both damp habitats such as marshes and fens, and drier locations like sand dunes and waste ground.
When is Marsh Pug active?
Marsh Pug: seasonal activity - It flies in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Marsh Pug?
The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of field Mouse-ear (