Eupithecia simpliciata, the plain pug, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in the Palearctic realm, from western Europe to north-western China (Xinjiang)., 2012: Eupithecia Curtis, 1825 of Afghanistan (Geometridae: Larentiinae). Nota Lepidopterologica 35 (2): 197-231. Full article: . The species primarily colonizes wastelands, rubble and abandoned vineyards, and in Asia also salt steppes. In the Alps, the range of altitude extends up to 1200 metres.
The wingspan is 21–23 mm. Eupithecia simpliciata has a relatively broad rounded forewing. The forewing ground colour is pale ochre. The forewing has indistinct, curved fuscous striae. The postmedian fascia has curved pale edges, the outer one zig-zagged towards the tornus. The forewing fringes are chequered. The hindwings are whitish-grey, darkened in the postmedian field. The discal spot is small. The moths vary significantly in colour and pattern.Eupithecia simpliciata Full description Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. 2003 onwards. British insects: the genera of Lepidoptera-Geometridae. Version: 29 December 2011 See also Prout Prout, L. B. (1912–16). Geometridae. In A. Seitz (ed.) The Macrolepidoptera of the World. The Palaearctic Geometridae, 4. 479 pp. Alfred Kernen, Stuttgart. Vladimir Mironov: The Geometrid Moths of the World. In: Axel Hausmann (Hrsg.): The Geometrid Moths of Europe. 1. Auflage. Volume 4: Larentiinae II. Perizomini and Eupitheciini. Apollo Books, Stenstrup 2003, Riley, A.M. and Prior, G. British and Irish Pug Moths A Guide to their Identification and BiologyApollo Books Wikisource:The Moths of the British Isles Second Series/Chapter 9#230
The caterpillars are greenish or brownish coloured and usually show indistinct dark angular or diamond markings on the back. The pupa is brownish, the wing sheaths shimmer greenish. The cone-shaped cremaster is equipped with two curved thorns as well as some short hook bristles.
The moth flies from May to September, depending on the location.
The larvae feed on Atriplex, Chenopodium, Artemisia maritima and Artemisia vulgaris.
References
External links
Plain pug on UKmoths Lepiforum.de Vlindernet.nl