A Biodiversity Information System for Cheshire, Halton, Warrington & Wirral

I think I know the answer to this before asking the question, but I thought I'd ask anyway...

In the absence of hindwing or underside shots, is it possible to narrow this down to Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis? Based on this note in Common Micro-moths of Berkshire: "Strong mark forming dorsal part of band has curved basal edge" - I thought purpuralis looked more likely, but I don't want to record as such if it's not a safe ID.

Cheers
Paul

Hi Paul

Views of the underside are usually necessary to be sure, although that's a well marked specimen which looks spot on for purpuralis.

I've attached a pdf file which separates the two. This was produced for Bucks.

Regards
Steve

Thanks Steve. That looks like a very useful resource.

Paul