Golden-rod Pug
ExploreInsects
Golden-rod Pug
Eupithecia virgaureata
The Golden-rod Pug is a small, colorful moth that loves to hide among plants. Its beautiful golden color helps it blend in with flowers and grasses, making it a special little friend in nature.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Golden-rod Pug has pale brown to reddish-brown wings with a dark central spot on each forewing. Its wings often display faint wavy lines and sometimes a purplish tint, helping it blend with its plant surroundings. The fringes of its wings appear checkered.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGeometridaeGenusEupithecia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Golden-rod Pug moths are part of the 'geometer' family, meaning 'earth-measurers'!
Its caterpillars are little eating machines, munching flowers and seeds!
Sometimes these moths have a lovely reddish or purplish blush on their wings!
This moth gets its name because its caterpillars love goldenrod plants.
Special abilities
Ability
Camouflage Master
Golden-rod Pug can disappear on plants because its mottled wings perfectly match bark and leaves, helping them hide from predators.
Ability
Night Navigator
Golden-rod Pug has excellent night vision that helps them find flowers and mates in the dark.
Ability
Chemical Communicator
Golden-rod Pug can send invisible scent signals because males release pheromones to attract females for mating.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 18-21 mm
- Size
- 7-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on flowers and seeds, while adult moths sip nectar for energy.
Age differences: Yes, caterpillars eat plant parts, while adults consume nectar.
Primary Foods
- Solidago virgaurea (Goldenrod flowers and seeds)
- Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell flowers and seeds)
- Calluna vulgaris (Heather flowers)
- Flower nectar
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
European Goldenrod
Solidago virgaurea
Caterpillars feed on flowers and seeds.
eats
Harebell
Campanula rotundifolia
Larvae also feed on its flowers and developing seeds.
eaten by
Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
Nocturnal bats hunt these moths at night.
eaten by
Eurasian Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Birds like blue tits eat caterpillars and moths.
eaten by
Common Wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Wasps can prey on caterpillars.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch insects from a distance and don't touch them, as some can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden-rod Pug's wingspan?
18-21 mm
How big is Golden-rod Pug?
7-10 mm
How long does Golden-rod Pug live?
7-14 days
What does Golden-rod Pug eat?
Caterpillars munch on flowers and seeds, while adult moths sip nectar for energy.
Where is Golden-rod Pug usually found?
Grasslands
How does Golden-rod Pug hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Golden-rod Pug have?
6
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