Unlike many pugs this species is distinctively marked, the brown forewings marked with a large tawny-orange panel (although some races lack this). The hindwings are greyish brown. It is among the larger species in the genus with a wingspan of 20-24 mm. It flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light and some flowers.

The larva is reddish brown with a pale line down each side. It usually feeds on the leaves and flowers of yarrow and has also been recorded on Artemisia and tansy. The species overwinters as a pupa.

1. The flight season refers to the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of the range.

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