Eupithecia assimilata
Doubleday, 1856
currant pug
Eupithecia assimilata, commonly known as the currant pug, is a small in the Geometridae. The occurs across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, including Europe, North America, and extending east to the Ural Mountains, Ussuri region, and Sakhalin. It has been documented as a visitor to apple flowers, contributing to pollination services. The species was first described by Henry Doubleday in 1856.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupithecia assimilata: /juːˈpɪθiə əˌsɪmɪˈleɪtə/
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Identification
Members of the Eupithecia, known as 'pugs,' are readily recognized by their narrow wings and distinctive resting posture. -level identification within Eupithecia is challenging and typically requires examination of genitalia characters. Eupithecia assimilata specifically may be distinguished from by subtle wing pattern differences and confirmed through dissection.
Images
Appearance
Narrow wings characteristic of the Eupithecia. Specific wing pattern details not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Occurs in diverse across its broad range. In montane regions, has been recorded at elevations up to 1500 meters in the Pyrenees and 1800 meters in the Alps. Associated with areas supporting its plants.
Distribution
Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Present in Europe (including Belgium), North America, extending eastward to the Near East, Urals, Ussuri region, and Sakhalin island.
Behavior
activity pattern. Has been observed visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to pollination. Rests with wings held in the characteristic posture of the Eupithecia.
Ecological Role
Documented as a of apple flowers. The contributes to nighttime pollination services in agricultural settings, with potential implications for fruit production.
Human Relevance
Recognized as a beneficial in apple orchards. A 2021 study in the Journal of Economic Entomology documented Eupithecia visiting apple flowers, demonstrating their role in crop pollination.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eupithecia speciesAll share narrow wings and similar resting posture; -level identification requires genitalia examination
- Other GeometridaeDistinguished from other inchworm by the combination of narrow wings and -specific resting posture
More Details
Taxonomic note
The iNaturalist entry lists this at 'section' rank, but authoritative sources (GBIF, Catalogue of Life, NCBI) confirm rank.
Pollination research
A 2021 study by Stephen Robertson et al. documented Eupithecia as among the visitors to apple flowers, contributing to seed set comparable to pollination in some conditions.