Scrub Pug

Eupithecia massiliata

Checklist Number
70.1561 [B&F: 1853a]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Geometridae
Subfamily:Larentiinae (Eupetheciini)
Genus:Eupithecia
Species:massiliata
Authority:Dardoin & MilliƩre

The vernacular name used here is as published in Lerault (2009) and is preferred over "Epping Pug" as it better reflects the species' native habitat (maquis).
This Mediterranean species (Iberia, southern France through to Italy; north Africa) has been recorded just once in Britain, when two individuals were trapped in Epping Forest in April 2002. As the larva feeds on flowers and leaves of oaks, especially Holm and Cork Oak, it was almost certainly an accidental import, possibly as pupae in cork from Portugal. Wingspan 18-19mm.