About Eupithecia linariata (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Eupithecia linariata, commonly known as the toadflax pug, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. This species is distributed across Europe, and extends from Anatolia through Tajikistan to Iran. The wingspan of adult toadflax pug moths measures 11 to 16 mm. Adult moths fly between April and October, with the exact timing varying by location. The species produces one generation per year. Eupithecia linariata is very similar in appearance to the more widespread foxglove pug. However, it differs from the foxglove pug in several key features: it flies earlier in the year, it has a much darker abdominal band that is often almost black, the dark band on its forewing has a sharper angled outer edge, and its overall colouration is cleaner and often brighter. The larvae of Eupithecia linariata feed on Linaria vulgaris and cultivated Antirrhinum species. Larvae can be found from May to October. The species overwinters in its pupal stage.
