70.159 BF1855 – Cypress Pug – Geometridae – Eupithecia phoeniceata
Cypress Pug – Geometridae – Larentiinae – Eupithecia phoeniceata – colour code •
STATUS – A new species for Derbyshire, when an individual was recorded from an overnight trap at Allestree, Derby, 13th/14th August 2022. A remarkable record. Further records from Sandiacre 10 September 2023 (2nd) and Cromford, 11 September 2023 (3rd).
Since the first one was recorded in Cornwall in 1959, this species has been expanding its range along the south coast and northwards into the south Midlands. First recorded in VC55 (Leics & Rutland) 4years ago. The larval food plant is Monterey Cypress, but also accepts Lawson’s Cypress and Leyland Cypress in captivity.
ID POINTERS – Quite an unmistakeable moth, due to blackish horizontal streaks through central forewing. There is a blackish band across the abdomen and the wings are very narrow, with paler brown ground colour than in other pugs of similar appearance.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing August – September.
IMAGES – Allestree, Derbyshire – Image by kind permission of Stephen Plant©
