The Moths and Butterflies of Huntingdonshire

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 129 (47.8%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 April to 27 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 14 August to 14 August

Similar Species

Marbled Pug Eupithecia irriguata

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

KR08509