Narrow-winged Pug
Eupithecia nanata
This record describes Eupithecia nanata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 13 to17 mm. A distinctive species. One of the earlier pugs to emerge in the spring, it flies from April to June, and sometimes has a second generation in August. The larvae feed on the flowers of Heather in the autumn. Fairly commonly distributed throughout Britain. 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
- Family
- Geometridae
- Genus
- Eupithecia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Inhabiting heathland and moorland.
Seasonal Activity
One of the earlier pugs to emerge in the spring, it flies from April to June, and sometimes has a second generation in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers of Heather in the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly commonly distributed throughout 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 nanata. 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 Narrow-winged Pug (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Narrow-winged Pug
What is Narrow-winged Pug?
Narrow-winged Pug (Eupithecia nanata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Narrow-winged Pug found?
Habitat: Inhabiting heathland and moorland.
When is Narrow-winged Pug active?
Narrow-winged Pug: seasonal activity - One of the earlier pugs to emerge in the spring, it flies from April to June, and sometimes has a second generation in August..
What is the life cycle of a Narrow-winged Pug?
The larvae feed on the flowers of Heather in the autumn.