Eupithecia semigraphata is a small geometrid moth found across Europe (excluding the far north and northwest), North Africa, and the Canary Islands. It is a nocturnal species, part of the "pug moth" group, often identified through genital dissection due to uniform appearance within the genus. Larvae typically feed on flowers and seeds of specific plants.
Key Facts about Eupithecia semigraphata:
Taxonomy: Class Insecta, Order Lepidoptera, Family Geometridae.
Distribution: Primarily found in southern and central Europe, extending to the Caucasus, Armenia, North Africa, and the Canary Islands.
Synonyms: Known by several, including Eupithecia confusata, Eupithecia exquisita, and Tephroclystia semigraphata.
Common Names: Includes the German Dost-Blütenspanner and French Eupithécie des Labiées.
Habits: Generally nocturnal. Like most Eupithecia species, it rests with forewings held at a right angle to the body.
Larval Feeding: Many Eupithecia species larvae are specialized, feeding on flowers and seeds rather than foliage.
Identification: While Eupithecia genus identification is simple, specific
identification of E. semigraphata often requires examination of genitalia.
It is not present in countries like Great Britain, the Netherlands, or Denmark.
