Photo ©2017 Olaf Leillinger
Click for a larger image
Photo ©2017 Olaf Leillinger
Click for a larger image
Purple and Gold moth - Pyrausta purpuralis
Family - Crambidae
Also known as the "Common Purple & Gold", the Purple and Gold Micro moth - Pyrausta purpuralis - is a small distinctive and common moth with a wingspan of around 15-20mm (0.6-0.8in) which flies from May-September depending on the location, they are active during the day as well as night. It can be found over much of Britain preferring dry grassland and chalky downland habitats, the moth is double-brooded with the second flying during July and August.
The forewings are and overall bright purple with grey speckles and markings of an ochreous yellow which are black-edged, the trailing edge is white with a black band above. The hindwings are black or dark blue with a wide white band, a narrower white band towards the rear and a further black band and a white trailing edge like the forewings.
The larvae are a dark grey with dorsal and spiracular lines yellowish, black spots, whitish-edged. They feed on Mint of which we have Water Mint in Brickfields, and Thyme.
Agassiz #63.007, Bradley & Fletcher #BF1362
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