Nettle Pug vs False Blister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle Pug False Blister Beetle
Scientific Name Eupithecia venosata Ischnomera cyanea
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Geometridae Oedemeridae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 8-12 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Seed Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

False Blister Beetle

A metallic blue beetle that develops inside rotting wood near coastal areas.

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Did You Know?

Unlike true blister beetles it does not produce cantharidin.