Higher classification Eupithecia | Family Geometridae Scientific name Eupithecia pusillata Rank Species | |
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Similar Eupithecia, Butterflies and moths, Juniper carpet, Tawny speckled pug, Grey pug | ||
The juniper pug or juniper looper (Eupithecia pusillata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found throughout the Palearctic and Nearctic regions and the Near East.
Subspecies interruptofasciata is sometimes treated as a valid species Eupithecia interruptofasciata.
The forewings are greyish brown with two distinctive black bands. The wingspan is 17–21 mm. The adults fly at night from July to September [1] and are attracted to light.
In the Old World the larva feeds on juniperus (juniper) and also on some other conifers in the cypress family such as Chamaecyparis and Thuja. In the New World there is a greater range of recorded food plants including apple, clover, raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry, sunflower and willow as well as juniper. The species overwinters as an egg.
- ^ The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.