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Cypress Pug
Eupithecia phoeniceata (Rambur, 1834)
Geometridae: Larentiinae
1855 / 70.159
Photo © George Fowler,  West Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (28/08/24)

Similar Herts & Middlesex Species: None
Forewing: 10-11mm
Flight: August - Sept (May - Oct)
Foodplant:   Monterey Cypress, Leyland Cypress, Lawson's Cypress
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Former Status: Local (alien-foodplant)
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1

General comments:
Widespread resident, probably also immigrant or vagrant.

A large and distinctive pug, first recorded in our area at Whitton, Middlesex in August 2010. There were more the next year at Osterley Park, but from 2012 onwards moths started to appear at a larger number of sites across the two counties. This species is now established with the larvae feeding on ornamental Cupressaceae, including Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. It is almost impossible to tell if new site records relate to fresh immigration or vagrancy from nearby areas where it is already resident.The species was unknown in Britain prior to 1959.

Recorded in 28 (68%) of 41 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2010.
Last Recorded in 2023.

Latest Records
Date#VC10k - General Area
11/10/2023120TL31 - Hertford
09/10/2023121TQ18 - Harrow / Wembley / Ealing
08/10/2023120TL31 - Hertford
08/10/2023221TQ17 - Brentford / Hounslow / Richmond
07/10/2023120TL31 - Hertford
06/10/2023120SP90 - Berkhamsted
06/10/2023120TL23 - Letchworth / Baldock
04/10/2023121TQ29 - Barnet / Finchley
03/10/2023120TL31 - Hertford
02/10/2023121TQ29 - Barnet / Finchley
Further info: Eupithecia phoeniceata
 
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