Identification

Very similar to Green Pug, but Sloe Pug only shows a hint of green when freshly emerged. A salmon pink band near the base of the abdomen (blackish in Green Pug) and the central cross-band being only slightly wavy near the leading edge of the forewing are the best features for separation. Due to its rarity status a specimen or quality photo required for record acceptance.

Recording method

Larvae can be found beaten from Blackthorn flowers in spring, adult comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg on Blackthorn. Larvae are present through April, with pupation on the ground.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on Blackthorn flowers.

Habitat

Scrub, woodland edges and old hedgerows.

History

First recorded for Dumfries and Galloway in 1998 for VC73 at Abbey Burn Foot by Colin Plant.

It may well be that it is being overlooked in our region.