Identification

Care required to separate from other ‘pugs.’ Its small size with narrow, pointed sandy or greyish forewings, held angled backwards, with prominent black dash in the central portion and dark spots on the costa should help identify it against Thyme Pug.

Recording method

During the day can be beaten from the branches of the foodplant Scots pine, comes readily to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa among needles of the foodplant in a cocoon. Larvae are present mid-June to mid-September.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed mainly on Scot’s Pine, but also known to feed on Lodgepole Pine and Larch.

Habitat

Pine plantations and other areas where pine is abundant.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1862 for VC73 at Dalskairth by Lennon, in 1890 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon and in 1997 for VC72 at Hightae Mill Loch by Richard Mearns.