Thyme Pug
VU

Thyme Pug

Eupithecia distinctaria

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupithecia_distinctaria

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Thyme Pug faces severe habitat loss due to the destruction and fragmentation of chalk downlands and limestone grasslands where its host plant, wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), grows. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and the abandonment of traditional grazing practices have led to scrubland encroachment that eliminates the short-turf conditions essential for thyme growth. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the distribution and phenology of both the moth and its host plant, potentially disrupting the synchronized timing critical for larval development.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Thyme Pug inhabits chalk downlands, limestone grasslands, and coastal dunes where wild thyme grows in short, sparse turf. These specialized calcareous grassland ecosystems require specific soil conditions and traditional management practices to maintain the open, flower-rich habitats essential for both the moth and its host plant.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Geometridae

Manchester Treble-barEN

Manchester Treble-bar

Carsia sororiata

Unknown
Little ThornEN

Little Thorn

Cepphis advenaria

Unknown
july belleVU

july belle

Scotopteryx luridata

Unknown
Ruddy CarpetVU

Ruddy Carpet

Catarhoe rubidata

Unknown

Threatened in Albania

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
CR

Euglesa maasseni

Unknown
EN

Ohrigocea stankovici

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Thyme Pug classified as Vulnerable?
Thyme Pug is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Thyme Pug faces severe habitat loss due to the destruction and fragmentation of chalk downlands and limestone grasslands where its host plant, wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), grows. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and the abandonment of traditional grazing practices have led to scrubland encroachment that eliminates the short-turf conditions essential for thyme growth. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the distribution and phenology of both the moth and its host plant, potentially disrupting the synchronized timing critical for larval development.
Where does Thyme Pug live?
Thyme Pug occurs in Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, and Croatia (plus 27 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Thyme Pug?
The main threats to Thyme Pug are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.