22 May 2017

22 May 2017 – Missed Pug

Brindled Pug (Eupithecia abbreviata)

Fortunately moth experts are generous with their knowledge and thanks to Charlie Fletcher the species list at Shandy Hall now stands at 403.  If you saw the blog earlier in the month this photograph will be familiar – it was used to misidentify the Brindled Pug as a Common Pug.  The Brindled Pug (Eupithicea abbreviata) used to be found (in Yorkshire) only around the oakwoods near Selby, but it seems to have spread throughout the county and is now recorded in all five vice-county areas.

The Brindled Pug can be identified by its markings but also by its hindwing being shorter than the forewing.  The morning when I first saw this pug (confidently misidentifying it!) another flew out of the trap at the same time.  It was sooty-black and may have been a melanic variety.

The pug feeds on oak and hawthorn both of which are in the quarry garden.