Tiny butterfly - id please - Page 2

paulchandler6 · #11 (**permalink**) 01-09-2007, 04:02 PM

I'd stick my neck out and go with aurata, its in the right habitat. purpuralis prefers grassland and chalky downland and appears to have a more continous band on forewing? Cheers

clicka15 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2007, 09:29 AM

Hi Paul & Wildone,

I can't decide if this is Pyrausta purpuralis or P. aurata. My initial response upon seeing the photograph (which is very good, by the way) was P. purpuralis, but they are difficult to separate.

If Words could offer some more info about surrounding habitats that may help...?

Steve.

Bramble · #13 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 10:51 AM

I will plump for aurata, simply because it has that golden-mustardy-brownish "cape" at the shoulders (below the head). My knowledge of moth anatomy is horrendous so if anyone can point me in the direction of the proper terms that would be marvellous!

paulchandler6 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 11:01 AM

P. aurata
The larvae feed on mints, including spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Apple mint (Mentha rotundifolia), marjoram (Origanum vulgare), Meadow-clary (Salvia pratensis), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), catmint (Nepeta cataria) and calamints (Calamintha spp).

P. purpuralis.
Preferring dry grassland and chalky downland habitats.The larvae feed on corn mint (Mentha arvensis) and thyme (Thymus). Hope that helps.
Cheers