About Eupithecia indigata (Hübner)
Eupithecia indigata, commonly known as the ochreous pug, is a moth species belonging to the family Geometridae. This species is distributed across Europe and the Palearctic region, reaching as far east as the Altai Mountains. It primarily inhabits pine forests, mixed pine forests, and pine plantations. In the Alps, it can be found at elevations up to 1800 metres.
The wingspan of Eupithecia indigata ranges from 15 to 18 mm, and the forewings measure 8 to 10 mm in length. The forewings have a pale ochreous brown ground colour. Their crosslines are fine and indistinct, with a series of small, darker dusky marks along the costa, and a small black discal spot. The hindwings are pale, darkening towards the outer margin. Correct identification of this species requires examination of its genitalia, for more information see the work of Prout.
The larvae are hairless, with a bright greenish brown body, a light reddish-brown dorsal line, and yellowish side stripes. The back of the head and the anal flap are dark brown. The pupa is light brown, with dark brown wing sheaths. The cremaster bears eight equally long hooked bristles.
Adult moths emerge in a single generation from April to May. The caterpillars feed on Pinus sylvestris and Larix species.
