Scientific name: Pyrausta Aurata      Common name: Gold Mint Moth

About:

This species is found increasingly commonly across the UK , partially due to the increase in Mint grown in peoples gardens within cities and towns (which is this species preferred plant for feeding).  The Gold Mint Moth has two broods each year at the start of summer to mid summer and then mid summer to the end of summer.

Key Information:

Size: 15-20mm

Habitat: Woodlands, Grasslands

When to see: April to September

Family:  Crambidae

Order: Lepidoptera 

Biological rank: Species 

Fun Fact: You may see this insect both at night and during the day as they do not have a flight  pattern for the day-night cycle

How to Identify:

This species of moth has vibrant red-brownish wings which , with age, become duller.  This species body and face are both covered in brown hairs and it has long antennae next to its eyes.  The species has black wings under the brown ones and there is also a white trim present here. Finally this species has some of gold dots across its wings and this helps distinguish it from other species that have slightly more  gold markings across their wings.