70.179 BF1830

Wormwood Pug Eupithecia absinthiata

(Clerck, 1759)

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Wingspan 21-23 mm.

Inhabiting open waste ground, gardens and woodland fringes, this species is widespread and fairly common over much of Britain. The Ling Pug (f. goossensiata) was originally thought to be a separate species, but is now considered a heathland race of absinthiata.

The adults fly in June and July, and are often attracted to light.

The larval foodplants are a range of low-growing plants, including ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). The race goossensiata feeds on heather (Calluna) and heath (Erica).