V-pug

The v-pug
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Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Geometridae
Genus:	Chloroclystis
Species:	C. v-ata
Binomial name
Chloroclystis v-ata (Haworth, 1809)
Synonyms
Phalaena v-ata Haworth, 1809 Geometra coronata Hubner, 1813 Chloroclystis lanceolata Vorbrodt & Muller-Rutz, 1914 Eupithecia stabiensis Stauder, 1929 Eupithecia lucinda Butler, 1879

The v-pug (Chloroclystis v-ata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found throughout the Palearctic region, the Near East and North Africa. It is well distributed in the British Isles except for the north of Scotland.

File:Chloroclystis v-ata larva.jpg

Larva

The forewings of newly emerged adults are green with a characteristic v-shaped black mark which is part of a crossline. The green colouring fades over time but the markings, small size (14-19 mm.) and triangular resting posture make this an easy species to identify. The hindwings are greyish white. Either one or two broods are produced each year and adults can be seen at any time between May and August. The species flies at night and is attracted to light.

The green larva, usually with 3 reddish stripes, feeds on the flowers of a wide range of plants (see list below). The species overwinters as a pupa.

Subspecies

• Chloroclystis v-ata v-ata
• Chloroclystis v-ata lucinda (Butler, 1879)
• Chloroclystis v-ata relicta Krogerus, 1996

Recorded food plants

• Achillea - Yarrow
• Angelica
• Artemisia - Mugwort
• Clematis
• Eupatorium
• Ligustrum - Privet
• Lysimachia
• Lythrum
• Rubus
• Sambucus - Elder
• Solidago - Goldenrod

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

External links

• UKmoths