The Lime-speck Pug (Eupithecia centaureata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a common species throughout the Palearctic region, the Near East and North Africa.
The wingspan is 20-24 mm and this is a distinctive species, all the wings being white except for a black blotch on the costa of the forewing. Often two broods are produced each year and the adults can be seen at any time during the summer and autumn. The species flies at night and is attracted to light and nectar-rich flowers.
The larva is rather variable but is usually green or yellow, often with red markings. It feeds on the flowers of a variety of plants, especially composites such as ragwort and yarrow. The species overwinters as a pupa.
References
- Chinery, Michael. Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe (1986, reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard. Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles (1984)