1852 Eupithecia abbreviata (Brindled Pug)

Geometridae, Larentiinae - Wingspan: 20-24mm.

A common generally mottled-brown Spring species which is one of the first of this group to herald the new season. Features to identify this species are a thin elongated central black spot, and a small row of black often-triangular marks just outside it against the light outer band across the fore-wing. The thorax has two darker chevrons at front and back of the segment, and sometimes a small black dot in the centre. The front of the abdomen has a paler band the rear thoracic chevron, and is edged on the rear of it by another dark band.

There is a broad single generation peak between March and May, although in Cornwall, individuals can also be seen in February and June. Normally abundant, a number will come into a light trap most days in its season.