Mint moth (Pyrausta aurata) by iaacf

Photography • Macro • posted on May 13, 2007

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Description

The mint moth feeds on plants like.. I think you've guessed that already.. minth, but also on majoram etc.. strong smelling plants in any case. The wingspan is 18-20 mm (less than one inch). This species is often confused with Pyrausta purpuralis. Both can be bright purple with golden markings, especially when fresh, or brown with yellowish markings, especially when worn. The principal distinguishing feature is the arrangement of the postmedian markings on the forewing. On P. aurata the only consistent postmedian mark is a round golden blotch near the costa, but there is usually a small golden mark between it and the costa. In fresh specimens, there is sometimes a thin indistinct wavy golden postmedian line between the round blotch and the dorsum. BTW: The dof of this image is limited. That is because this butterfly is not a common one.. It is much smaller than most butterflies. The mint moth is not much bigger than an ordinary fly. I took this image in my garden today.