63.007 Pyrausta purpuralis Copyright Martin Evans
 63.007 Pyrausta purpuralis and Pyrausta aurata Copyright Martin Evans
 Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
 Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans  63.007 Pyrausta purpuralis Copyright Martin Evans

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.