Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

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Tim_Ward
Posts: 217
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2014 5:05 pm

Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Post by Tim_Ward »

Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?:

I found this little moth in my garden today and cannot decide between Pyrausta aurata and P.purpuralis, though I tend to the former. It was settling on Marjoram, which inclines me to P.aurata since this is one of its foodplants. The markings on the upper wings look more like P.aurata than P.purpuralis but the colour of the prominent spot isn't as orange as the books suggest. As for the hind wing, the bar reaches right across to the margin, which might suggest P.purpuralis. I'm sure that the more experienced of you will know immediately which it is !

Tim

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Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?
Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?
Greg
Posts: 1508
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 11:10 am
Location: Davenham Nr Northwich

Re: Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Post by Greg »

Hi Tim,

Your moth is a Pyrausta aurata (Mint Moth). The P.purpuralis has much bolder yellow markings and is a larger moth.

I was uncertain myself how to separate them until I caught my first P.purpuralis then the difference was obvious. A couple of pics for comparison.

Regards,
Greg
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Pryausta aurata
Pryausta aurata
Pyrausta purpuralis
Pyrausta purpuralis
Tim_Ward
Posts: 217
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2014 5:05 pm

Re: Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Post by Tim_Ward »

Thanks Greg. Very helpful.

stevehind
Posts: 2908
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am
Location: Higher Poynton, Cheshire

Re: Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Post by stevehind »

"The Common Micro-moths of Berkshire" booklet is good for separating these two species.

Regards,
Steve

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