Eupithecia scabrogata
Pearsall, 1912
Pug moth
Eupithecia scabrogata is a small geometrid described by Pearsall in 1912. It occurs in western North America from British Columbia south to California and Arizona. are active primarily from November through March, with a possible second in May. The has been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to pollination services.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupithecia scabrogata: /juːˈpɪθɪkiə skæˈbroʊɡətə/
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Identification
Members of the Eupithecia are readily recognized by their narrow wings and unique resting posture. Specific identification of E. scabrogata likely requires examination of genitalia or other detailed morphological features, as is common for many Eupithecia . The species occurs in western North America and shows activity from November to March and in May, which may help distinguish it from some other regional Eupithecia species with different periods.
Distribution
Western North America: British Columbia to California and Arizona.
Seasonality
recorded on wing from November to March and in May. The May records possibly represent a second .
Diet
Larvae feed on the flowers of Arbutus pungens. have been observed visiting apple flowers, contributing to pollination.
Host Associations
- Arbutus pungens - larval plantlarvae feed on flowers
Ecological Role
Documented as a visitor to apple flowers, contributing to nighttime pollination services. This dual role—larval herbivore on Arbutus flowers and of crop plants—illustrates the ecological complexity of .
Human Relevance
Contributes to pollination of apple crops, as demonstrated in studies of nighttime in orchards.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eupithecia speciesMany Eupithecia share narrow wings, small size, and similar resting postures. Identification to species level typically requires detailed morphological examination.