Shaded Pug
Eupithecia subumbrata
This record describes Eupithecia subumbrata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. This is a pale greyish member of the genus. Inhabiting damp grassy places, salt marshes and similar habitats. A single generation flies in June and July, from dusk onwards, but is infrequent at light. It is more readily disturbed in the daytime from long herbage. The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, including field Scabious and Hawk's-beard, consuming the flowers and seeds. It is distributed mainly in southern England, especially near the coast, but does range northwards to Yorkshire. 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
Inhabiting damp grassy places, salt marshes and similar habitats.
Seasonal Activity
A single generation flies in June and July, from dusk onwards, but is infrequent at light. It is more readily disturbed in the daytime from long herbage.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, including field Scabious and Hawk's-beard, consuming the flowers and seeds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed mainly in southern England, especially near the coast, but does range northwards to Yorkshire. 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 subumbrata. 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 Shaded Pug
What is Shaded Pug?
Shaded Pug (Eupithecia subumbrata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Shaded Pug found?
Habitat: Inhabiting damp grassy places, salt marshes and similar habitats.
When is Shaded Pug active?
Shaded Pug: seasonal activity - A single generation flies in June and July, from dusk onwards, but is infrequent at light. It is more readily disturbed in the daytime from long herbage..
What is the life cycle of a Shaded Pug?
The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, including field Scabious and Hawk's-beard, consuming the flowers and seeds.