70.15 BF1816

Toadflax Pug Eupithecia linariata

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 11-16 mm.

Although similar to the Foxglove Pug (Eupithecia pulchellata), this species is smaller, usually brighter-coloured and the central black band on the forewing lacks the sharp angle of pulchellata.

It occurs widely in England and Wales, less so in Scotland, and inhabits waste ground and open grassy areas.

The small greenish caterpillars are marked with brown and feed in the flowers and seed pods of common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) and cultivated snapdragons (Antirrhinum).