Nettle Pug vs Golden Sun Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle Pug Golden Sun Moth
Scientific Name Eupithecia venosata Synemon plana
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Castniidae
Size 20-24 mm wingspan 3-4 cm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Seed Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Australia
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

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.

Golden Sun Moth

A day-flying moth with dull grey-brown forewings and brilliant orange-gold hindwings. It is critically threatened by the loss of native grasslands.

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Did You Know?

Larvae live underground feeding on grass roots for up to three years before emerging as adults that live only days.