Satyr Pug
Eupithecia satyrata
This record describes Eupithecia satyrata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18 to 24 mm. This moth is represented by three subspecies or forms in the British Isles. The nominate type satyrata occurs generally in the southern half of England and has a relatively plain appearance. In northern England, Scotland and Ireland, callunaria is the dominant form, which occurs on moorland and heaths and has stronger markings. The third form, curzoni , is the most well-marked but is restricted to the northern Scottish isles. The adults fly generally in May and June, when they can be attracted to light-traps. The larvae feed on the flowers of a range of different plants, depending on the habitat. Widespread in 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 (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
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly generally in May and June, when they can be attracted to light-traps.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the flowers of a range of different plants, depending on the habitat.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in 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 satyrata. 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 Satyr Pug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Satyr Pug
What is Satyr Pug?
Satyr Pug (Eupithecia satyrata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Satyr Pug found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Satyr Pug active?
Satyr Pug: seasonal activity - The adults fly generally in May and June, when they can be attracted to light-traps..
What is the life cycle of a Satyr Pug?
The larvae feed on the flowers of a range of different plants, depending on the habitat.