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

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2018 4:16 pm**

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

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2018 4:49 pm**

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

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2018 5:50 pm**

Thanks Greg. Very helpful.

Posted: **Fri Jul 20, 2018 6:47 pm**

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

Regards,
Steve

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

Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Re: Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Re: Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?

Re: Pyrausta aurata or purpuralis ?