70.189 BF1840

Shaded Pug Eupithecia subumbrata

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Wingspan 16-20 mm.

Inhabiting damp grassy places, saltmarshes and similar habitats, this pale greyish member of the genus is distributed mainly in southern England, especially near the coast, but does range northwards to Yorkshire.

A single generation flies in June and July, from dusk onwards, but is infrequent at light. It is more readily disturbed in the daytime from long herbage.

The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, including field scabious (Knautia arvensis) and hawk's-beard (Crepis spp.), consuming the flowers and seeds.