See also Moth of the Week (04/07/2019)

Identification

Care required to separate from other ‘pugs.’ The rather narrow forewing shape with an almost straight costa is diagnostic, even accounting for dark specimens of Grey Pug. The central spot is also small.

Recording method

Readily disturbed from vegetation by day, comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a pupa. Larvae are present July to September.

Larval foodplants

Larvae use many herbaceous plants.

Habitat

Plantations, woodland, saltmarshes and other coastal areas.

History

The first record for Dumfries and Galloway was in 1897 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon who found it ‘not uncommon’.  The next record was over a hundred years later in 2005 for VC73 at the Wood of Cree by Mark Young and 2011 for VC72 at Kirkton by Richard Mearns.