Toadflax Pug
Eupithecia linariata
This record describes Eupithecia linariata (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11 to 16 mm. Although similar to the Foxglove Pug (Eupithecia pulchellata), this species is smaller, usually brighter-coloured Another useful feature for separating these two species is the innermost black band, which does not extend all of the way to the dorsum (rear edge) of the wing in Toadflax Pug. It inhabits waste ground and open grassy areas. The small greenish caterpillars are marked with brown and feed in the flowers and seed pods of Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and cultivated Snapdragons (Antirrhinum). 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
It inhabits waste ground and open grassy areas.
Seasonal Activity
July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The small greenish caterpillars are marked with brown and feed in the flowers and seed pods of Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and cultivated Snapdragons (Antirrhinum).
Additional species information
Recorded status
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 linariata. 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 Toadflax Pug
What is Toadflax Pug?
Toadflax Pug (Eupithecia linariata) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Toadflax Pug found?
Habitat: It inhabits waste ground and open grassy areas.
When is Toadflax Pug active?
Toadflax Pug: seasonal activity - July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Toadflax Pug?
The small greenish caterpillars are marked with brown and feed in the flowers and seed pods of Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and cultivated Snapdragons (Antirrhinum).