Unidentified Larva

goosey · #1 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007, 01:02 PM

I spotted these in the water mint today, it has just started to wrap its self in this leaf. The more I looked the more I saw, some at a more advanced stage than others. They have had a lucky escape, I had planned on cutting the mint back this month. Does anybody have any ideas what they are please?

An after thought - will these leaves drop off over the autumn (this is the first year I have had water mint) if so they will fall into the water. Some of the larvae have started to wrap themselves in green leaves, others in ones which have started to change colour?

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007, 01:38 PM

Hi Goosey I have seen this Caterpillar on another thread will see if I can find it

goosey · #3 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007, 08:12 PM

Thanks nightshade - any luck?
I have spent hours looking for an ID and could have kicked myself when I found what I think they are – mint moth, Pyrausta aurata larvae. It makes sense as water mint, along with origanum and cat mint are some of the larvae food plants and we have all three, and we had lots of these day flying moths in the garden. If anyone else can confirm, or has another idea I would be most greatful

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Deer Stalker · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007, 08:26 PM

Hi Goosey.

Could well be Pyrausta aurata.

UKMoths - Pyrausta aurata

goosey · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deer Stalker

Hi Goosey.

Could well be Pyrausta aurata.

UKMoths - Pyrausta aurata

Thanks for the confirmation! Caterpillars are so variable - UK moths have shown three different colours and my two photo's are different again. Thanks I shall sleep well tonight, now that I know