Crambidae

63.006 Mint Moth Pyrausta aurata (Scopoli, 1763)

Common

Similar species: Pyrausta purpuralis has one broad unbroken gold blotch in the outer crossline at the trailing edge of the forewing, rather than separated spots. Pyrausta ostrinalis has one broad unbroken gold blotch in the outer crossline at the trailing edge of the forewing and black edging to the gold markings on the forewing.

Forewing: 7 to 9mm

Habitats: Calcareous grasslands, water margins, marshland and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies during the day and at night. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds from under a web on the under surface of leaves of Marjoram, Corn Mint, Water Mint, Lemon Balm, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Catmint, Wild Basil and probably many other wild and garden mints. It later feeds in the spun flowers. The autumn larva overwinters in a cocoon in the seed-heads or under stones or leaf litter where it pupates in April.