Davey, P., 2009: A local species in Britain, the larva feeding on the flowers of goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea). In Dorset, the foodplant is local and decreasing in woods and on heaths on sandy soil and on greensand. There was evidently a relatively strong colony amongst golden-rod growing in Bere Wood historically as evidenced by the late nineteenth and early twentieth century records: Bere Wood, a fair number of larvae from flowers and seed-heads of golden-rod "larvae seem very local - sweeping was impossible due to rabbits having eaten down the golden-rod" (Reverend E Bankes), adults emerged between 11 July 1887 and 25 August 1887 (Reverend E Bankes, O Pickard-Cambridge), larvae not uncommon in a single spot recently cleared of underwood where golden-rod was abundant - all were obtained by searching on 2 and 10 October 1908, sweeping yielded none, the margins of the clearing where golden-rod was common was unproductive twenty-seven emerged between 25 July 1909 and 28 August 1909 and a further twenty-two emerged between 12 July 1910 and 7 August 1910 (Reverend E Bankes). A second ecotype for goldenrod is on the limestone cliffs and quarries on Portland, although stocks of the plant have decreased in this open habitat in recent years, and there are no recent records. East Weare, three at honeycomb and light on 11 July 1936 (H Andrewes, A Russell, C de Worms), two at light and nectaring on valerian on 25 July 1936 (H Andrewes), Scar Bank, at light on 10 August 1937 (A Russell), see photo. Although this species has not been seen for many years, the same recommendations as stated for Golden-rod Pug apply: maintain coppicing levels in old woodland sites to promote viable stocks of golden-rod in the cleared areas.

This species is similar to the Wormwood Pug. Diagnostics include: a paler more ochreous-grey ground colour (not reddish-brown); a series of distinct black dots where the veins intersect with the post-median line; a larger, more distinctly black and elongate discal spot.

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 5 (13%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1886.
Last Recorded in 2001.
(Data up to end 2019)