Wormwood Pug

The Wormwood Pug (Eupithecia absinthiata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a common species across the Palearctic region and the Near East.

The wingspan is 21-23 mm and the forewings are warm brown with two black spots along the costa with a black discal spot completing a distinctive triangle. There is a narrow pale line near the fringe with a distinct whitish spot near the tornus , although this is not as prominent as in the rather similar Currant Pug. The hindwings are greyish brown. The species flies at night in June and July and is attracted to light.

As the name suggests, the larva feed on the flowers of mugwort (which is sometimes called "Common Wormwood") but will also feed on the flowers of a range of other composites, including goldenrod, ragwort, sea aster and yarrow. The species overwinters as a pupa.

References

• Chinery, Michael. Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe (1986, reprinted 1991)
• Skinner, Bernard. Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles (1984)