Crambidae

63.007 Common Purple & Gold Pyrausta purpuralis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Pyrausta aurata has a group of smaller markings at the trailing edge of the forewing, rather than a solid blotch. Pyrausta ostrinalis has a black edge to the markings on the forewing and a pale bar along the outer edge of the underside of the hindwing.

Forewing: 7 to 10mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, coastal grasslands and occasionally gardens.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the spun leaves of Common Thyme, possibly Broad-leaved Thyme and sometimes Corn Mint. It is unknown whether the full-fed autumn larva pupates or overwinters in its cocoon spun between leaves and then pupates in early spring.