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Eupithecia semigraphata, known as the Dost-Blütenspanner (German) or L'Eupithécie des Labiées (French), is a small, nocturnal pug moth (Geometridae family) found across much of Europe, the Caucasus, Armenia, the Canary Islands, and North Africa, characterized by its plain, muted colors, and often difficult identification, relying on genital features. Like many Eupithecia species, its larvae feed on flowers and seeds, not foliage, and it hibernates as a pupa, sometimes for two years, with adults flying in summer.
Key Facts:
Classification: A species within the large Eupithecia genus, known as "pug moths".
Appearance: Small (12-35mm), with muted colors and a distinct resting pose with forewings flat at right angles to the body.
Distribution: Widespread in Europe (excluding some northern/western areas), extending to the Caucasus, Armenia, Canaries, and North Africa.
Behavior: Nocturnal, adults are attracted to light; larvae feed on flowers/seeds of specific plants, not leaves.
Life Cycle: Hibernates as a pupa, sometimes for two years.
Identification: Difficult to distinguish from other Eupithecia species, often requiring dissection of genitalia for certainty.
