Davey, P., 2009: A very local species restricted to the southern and western coasts in Britain, the larva feeding on the flowers of wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus). In Dorset, the moth is very local, at low density and restricted to Portland, Durlston and Ballard Down. Old records indicate that the species occupied the same localities in areas of unimproved dry short-turf grassland on chalky soil. The following technique was evidently productive in days gone by, and may be the best way to yield additional localities for this potentially under-recorded Pug: Durlston, fifty adult moths beaten from the bramble-breaks in fields beyond lighthouse on 23 June 1884 (Reverend E Bankes). It is recommended that this species be included in habitat management plans for SSSIs that comprise unimproved grassland on Purbeck and on Portland, and to set grazing levels that promote thyme-rich grassland.

Diagnostics include: conspicuous costal spots; large 'cat's-eye pupil' discal spot; pointed apex; thyme-rich habitat.

	Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required.

Recorded in 6 (15%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1886.
Last Recorded in 2017.
(Data up to end 2019)