70.150 Eupithecia linariata (Toadflax Pug)
fw: 9-10mm, ws: 16-20mm; Jul-Aug; common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris); common in chalk and limestone grassland throughout GB
Eupithecia linariata (Toadflax Pug) §2 female
ID: Very similar to E.pulchellata (Foxglove Pug) which is larger (fw 10-12mm, ws: 18-22mm) and flies earlier (May-Jul). In E.linariata the distal margin of the median fascia is curved smoothly to the costa; in E.pulchellata this distal margin is kinked as it approaches the costa.
Male genitalia: E.pulchellata has a more elongate aedeagus than E.linariata; in E.pulchellata the cornutus is at least as long as the aedeagal sheath while in E.linariata the cornutus is shorter than the sheath; there does not seem to be any significant difference in the armature or in the S8 ventral plate.
Female genitalia: There do not seem to be any consistent differences between E.pulchellata and E.linariata in the female genitalia.
Male genitalia: E.pulchellata has a more elongate aedeagus than E.linariata; in E.pulchellata the cornutus is at least as long as the aedeagal sheath while in E.linariata the cornutus is shorter than the sheath; there does not seem to be any significant difference in the armature or in the S8 ventral plate.
Female genitalia: There do not seem to be any consistent differences between E.pulchellata and E.linariata in the female genitalia.
§1 Westcliff-on-sea, Essex; 24/08/2016; male; fw 8.8mm; to light
§2 Cranwich Heath, Norfolk; 05/07/2018; female; fw 9.5mm
§3 Foulness, Essex; 14/08/2021; male; fw 8.6mm
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Cranwich Heath, Norfolk; 05/07/2018; female; fw 9.5mm
§3 Foulness, Essex; 14/08/2021; male; fw 8.6mm
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 14/11/2016 (§1) | §2 added 02/05/2019 | §3 added 14/12/2021
