Nettle Pug vs Common Footman Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle Pug Common Footman Moth
Scientific Name Eupithecia venosata Eilema lurideola
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 31-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nettle Pug

A small pug moth associated with bladder campion, not nettles despite its name. Larvae feed inside the inflated seed capsules. A rather attractive species.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called 'Nettle Pug', it has no association with nettles and feeds entirely on campion.

Common Footman Moth

A narrow-winged grey moth with a distinctive yellow-orange leading edge on the forewing. It rests with wings wrapped tightly around its body like a rolled leaf.

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Did You Know?

Its common name refers to the way it wraps its wings like a footman standing at attention.