Geometridae: Larentiinae

1825 (ABH70.173) Lime-speck Pug Eupithecia centaureata, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR08509

ex. Larva, Great Staughton
ex. Larva, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. Larva, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Hemingford Grey, 20th May 2020. Light trap.
Hemingford Grey, 20th May 2020. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Woodwalton, 9th May 2008 (as found)
Woodwalton, 9th May 2008 (as found)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. Larva, Great Staughton
ex. Larva, Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

The wings of this species are white with darker markings which mimic a bird dropping.

 

Pupates in leaf litter or loose soil.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 16-20mm.
Foodplant(s): ragworts (Senecio spp.), Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris), Sea Wormwood (Seriphidium maritima), Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga), Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), Yarrow (Achillia millefolium), Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Traveller's-joy (Clematis vitalba), Goldenrod (Solidago virguarea), plants and shrubs
Flying: Two generations, late April-July and August to October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, downland and waste-ground and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 127 (47%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 24 April to 27 September

Similar Species
Marbled Pug Eupithecia irriguata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
Green, brown, grey, purple
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2