Eupithecia macdunnoughi
Rindge, 1952
Pug moth
Eupithecia macdunnoughi is a small in the Geometridae, first described by Rindge in 1952. It belongs to the Eupithecia, commonly known as "pug" moths due to their distinctive appearance and resting posture. The has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to pollination services.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupithecia macdunnoughi: //juːpɪˈθisiə məkˈdənoʊʔi//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Eupithecia are readily recognized by their narrow wings and unique resting posture. -level identification within this is exceptionally difficult and typically requires examination of genitalia characters. Eupithecia macdunnoughi can be distinguished from similar western North American only through detailed morphological analysis, preferably of dissected specimens.
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 18 mm. As a member of Eupithecia, possesses narrow wings and a characteristic resting posture typical of "pug" . Specific coloration and pattern details for this are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Dry, mixed conifer forest with oaks, at elevations around 7,000 feet. Associated with supporting good floral diversity.
Distribution
Western United States: California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
Host Associations
- Bassus - Braconid in Agathidinae; a friend keyed out a specimen that 'likes yarrow, both to sip at and to oviposit in. I suppose there must be some tiny caterpillar inside, perhaps a of Eupithecia'
Behavior
; attracted to blacklights and porch lights. Has been observed visiting apple flowers, contributing to nighttime pollination activity.
Ecological Role
Documented as a of apple flowers. As a member of Geometridae, larvae (if typical of ) would be foliage-feeding caterpillars, potentially serving as for .
Human Relevance
Contributes to pollination services in agricultural settings, specifically documented visiting apple orchards at night. This dual role illustrates that traditionally not considered as can provide valuable services.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eupithecia speciesNearly all Eupithecia share narrow wings and similar resting posture; species-level identification requires genitalia dissection and expert analysis
More Details
Research significance
A 2021 study in Journal of Economic Entomology documented Eupithecia visiting apple flowers, highlighting the underappreciated role of insects in crop pollination. This challenges the traditional dismissal of moths as strictly harmful pests.