Crambidae

63.008 Scarce Purple & Gold Pyrausta ostrinalis (Hübner, 1796)

Notable B

Similar species: Pyrausta purpuralis lacks the black edge to the gold markings on the forewing and lacks the pale bar along the outer edge of the underside of the hindwing. Pyrausta aurata lacks the black edge to the gold markings on the forewing and the gold mark at the trailing edge of the outer crossline is broken into smaller markings rather than a solid blotch.

Forewing: 7 to 10mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland, other short-turfed grassland and coastal grassland.

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 and possibly other thymes. The autumn larva overwinters as a pupa.