Hantsmoths

Common in gardens, parks and plantations throughout much of England. In Scotland subspecies millieraria, known proverbially as Edinburgh Pug, occurs on moorland. In Ireland subspecies hibernica, known as Mere's Pug, occurs on the limestone of the Burren. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight usually found in suburban localities, in association with leylandii, and can be fairly common. Wingspan 20-24 mm. A possible confusion species is Pimpinel Pug E. pimpinellata, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Juniper, Lawson's Cypress and Leyland Cypress, over-wintering as a pupa.