Page 1 of 1
Pyrausta ID
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:15 pm
by Susanne
Are these 2 moths both Pyrausta aurata or is the first one Pyrausta purpuralis?
Re: Pyrausta ID
Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:14 am
by GasMacc1
I think they are both
Pyrausta aurata.
The book "Common Micro-moths of Berkshire" (which is free to download) has a useful comparison [page 107] of the two species. Using that text, I would pick out from your photos:
- the prominent spot on the forewing at two-thirds has only tiny dots (photo 2) or a thin squiggle (photo 1) towards the dorsum. The "thin squiggle" lacks a smooth curve.
- the basal half of the hindwing (upper-side) is clear of markings in both photos.
The book mentions that
Pyrausta purpuralis has a narrow, almost straight, sub-terminal line on the underside (which is absent in
Pyrausta aurata).
Re: Pyrausta ID
Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2021 3:41 pm
by Susanne
Thank you.