purple day flying moth ID please

[meinchewster]

Hi all, found this moth drinking from a dandelion on what used to be a lawn, now its a dandelion mecca!

Probably dead obvious and common but cant see it anywhere in my moth guide.

Cheers in advance.

By the way, after uploading pics to Gallery, how the hell do you include them on your posts?

I cant do it, but for anyone interested in the pic, its called unidentified purple day flying moth and can be located in the unidentified section .......bloody technology

[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by meinchewster

Hi all, found this moth drinking from a dandelion on what used to be a lawn, now its a dandelion mecca!

Probably dead obvious and common but cant see it anywhere in my moth guide.

Cheers in advance.

By the way, after uploading pics to Gallery, how the hell do you include them on your posts?

I cant do it, but for anyone interested in the pic, its called unidentified purple day flying moth and can be located in the unidentified section .......bloody technology

Go it, figured it out now. Though the moths still a mystery

[aeshna5]

It's one of the Pyrausta moths, probably P. aurata (often called Mint Moth). This (or its larvae) species uses various labiates such as Mint, Marjoram, etc as larval food plants. A pretty micro when fresh!

[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

It's one of the Pyrausta moths, probably P. aurata (often called Mint Moth). This (or its larvae) species uses various labiates such as Mint, Marjoram, etc as larval food plants. A pretty micro when fresh!

I had a mint moth last year on same garden, that was smaller and flew in a butterfly manner. This must be a larger species as the wing pattern is far less ornate (only 2 orange flecks).

Thanks for the help

[JRsbugs]

Pyrausta purpuralis:

Pyrausta purpuralis - Norfolk Micro Moths - The micro moths of Norfolk.

Pyrausta aurata:

Pyrausta aurata (Small Purple and Gold) - Norfolk Micro Moths - The micro moths of Norfolk.

I would say yours is P. aurata.

Janet