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Bilberry Pug
Pasiphila debiliata (Hubner, [1817])
Geometridae: Larentiinae
1861 / 70.145
Photo © Jack Oughton,  Ex larva., Hardy Monument 2020

Similar Dorset Species
Green Pug
Pasiphila rectangulata
Forewing: 9-11mm
Flight: June - July
Foodplant:   Bilberry
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Nationally Scarce
Former Status: Nationally Scarce B
Verification Grade:  Adult: 3

Davey, P., 2009: A very local species restricted to southern and western districts of England and Wales, the larva feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). In Dorset, bilberry is distinctly local occurring in old woods and on dry ridges or banks on sandy soils. No Bilberry Pugs have been found in any site harbouring the host food plant. However, a single moth was recorded many kilometres from bilberry habitat during a period of notable migrant activity: Trigon, at MV light on 4 July 2001 (C Manley).

Oughton, J., 2023: An adult was attracted to light at Hardy Monument on the 22nd June 2018 (P Sterling), representing the first Dorset record of this species in suitable habitat. This was followed by larval searches in April 2020, where several larvae were found in spinnings on Bilberry beneath firs. Searches for larvae at Hardown Hill and Thorncombe Wood where bilberry is present have yet to produce the moth.

Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 2 (5%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2001.
Last Recorded in 2018.
(Data up to end 2019)

Latest 5 Records (Data up to end 2019)
Date#VC10k Area
22/06/2018+9SY68 - Weymouth / Martinstown
04/07/200119SY88 - Wool / Lulworth
Further info: Pasiphila debiliata
 
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