Geometridae: Larentiinae

1857 (ABH70.162) Dwarf Pug Eupithecia tantillaria, Boisduval, 1840

KR08596

Ridsdale, Northumberland
Ridsdale, Northumberland
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Ridsdale, Northumberland
 Photo © Ian Fisher
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Storrington, Sussex. 06-05-2018. Light trap.
Storrington, Sussex. 06-05-2018. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Despite its vernacular name, this species is not the smallest UK Pug.

 

Pupates in loose soil.

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

Forewing length: 9-11mm.
Foodplant(s): Norway Spruce (Picea abies), Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Flying: One generation, May-June
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Conifer plantations.

Regional Information

Recorded in 20 (7.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 18 April to 10 July

Similar Species
Borovets, Rila Mtns., Bulgaria. 11-07-2016.
Borovets, Rila Mtns., Bulgaria. 11-07-2016.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cloaked Pug Eupithecia abietaria
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Oak-tree Pug Eupithecia dodoneata


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
Red, brown, purple
No. of Proleg Pairs:
2