Hodges#7586.1

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eupithecia absinthiata: /juː.pɪˈθiː.siə æbˈsɪnθiːˌeɪtə/

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Summary

The wormwood pug (Eupithecia absinthiata) is a common moth of the Geometridae family, known for its distinctive warm brown forewings and larvae that feed on various plants, including mugwort. It flies at night during the summer months and has a wide distribution across North America and Europe.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 21–23 mm; forewings warm brown with two black spots along the costa and a black discal spot forming a triangle; pale narrow line near the fringe; distinct whitish spot near the tornus; hindwings greyish brown.

Identification Tips

Examination of genital preparation is required for certain identification.

Habitat

Found in various habitats across North America and Europe.

Distribution

Throughout much of North America except the central plains; also found in much of Europe, particularly in the Palearctic region.

Diet

Larvae primarily feed on the flowers of mugwort and a range of other plants including Achillea, Aconitum, Artemisia, Aster, Calluna, Cirsium, Erica, Eupatorium, Pimpinella, Senecio, Solidago, Tanacetum, and Tripleurospermum.

Life Cycle

The species overwinters as a pupa.

Reproduction

Adult moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light; they mate to produce larvae that feed on host plants.

Collecting Methods

• Light trapping at night.

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens
• Drying for collection.

Similar Taxa

• Eupithecia assimilata
• Eupithecia expallidata

Tags

• Moth
• Geometridae
• Eupithecia
• Lepidoptera
• Insect