Small Purple and Gold

Pyrausta aurata

Description

Wingspan 18 - 20mm. The fore-wings are purple with gold spots and the hind-wings are dark brown with gold spots.

Habitat

Grasslands where the larvae feed on mints and other Lamiaceae.

Life History

Local but widespread in southern Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to June and July to August.