Biology:V-pug

Short description: Species of moth

V-pug
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Geometridae
Genus:	Chloroclystis
Species:	C. v-ata
Binomial name
Chloroclystis v-ata (Haworth, 1809)
Synonyms
Eupithecia stabiensis Phalaena v-ata Haworth, 1809 Hubner, 1813 Stauder, 1929 Eupithecia lucinda Chloroclystis lanceolata Butler, 1879 Geometra coronata Vorbrodt & Muller-Rutz, 1914

The v-pug (Chloroclystis v-ata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found throughout the Palearctic region, the Near East and North Africa. It is well distributed in the British Isles except for the north of Scotland. The species was first described by Adrian Hardy Haworth in 1809.

Larva

The forewings of newly emerged adults are green with a characteristic V-shaped black mark which is part of a crossline. The green colouring fades over time but the markings, small size (14–19 mm (0.55–0.75 in)) and triangular resting posture make this an easy species to identify. The hindwings are greyish white. Either one or two broods are produced each year and adults can be seen at any time between May and August. The species flies at night and is attracted to light.

The green larva, usually with three reddish stripes, feeds on the flowers of a wide range of plants (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

Subspecies

• Chloroclystis v-ata lucinda (Butler, 1879)
• Chloroclystis v-ata relicta Krogerus, 1996

Recorded food plants

• Achillea - yarrow
• Angelica
• Artemisia - mugwort
• Clematis
• Eupatorium
• Ligustrum - privet
• Lysimachia
• Lythrum
• Rubus
• Sambucus - elder
• Solidago - goldenrod

References

• Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
• Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984

External links

• V-pug at UKMoths
• Lepiforum e.V.
• De Vlinderstichting (in Dutch)

Wikidata ☰ Q1552085 entry