Pyrausta aurata
This record describes Pyrausta aurata (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15-18 mm. The only consistent postmedian mark is a round golden blotch near the costa but there is usually a small golden mark between it and the costa. In fresh specimens there is sometimes a thin indistinct wavy golden postmedian line between the round blotch and the dorsum. Both larvae and adults occur in gardens as well as wild habitats with the foodplants. It has two generations: in May and June and again through July and August. It flies both during the day and at night. The larvae feed on mints, including Spearmint, Apple Mint, Marjoram, Lemon Balm etc. It is fairly frequent in England, Wales and southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Pyrausta aurata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrausta aurata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Pyraloidea
- Family
- Crambidae (Crambid Snout Moths)
- Subfamily
- Pyraustinae
- Tribe
- Pyraustini
- Genus
- Pyrausta (Mint Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Both larvae and adults occur in gardens as well as wild habitats with the foodplants.
Seasonal Activity
It has two generations: in May and June and again through July and August. It flies both during the day and at night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on mints, including Spearmint, Apple Mint, Marjoram, Lemon Balm etc.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly frequent in England, Wales and southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Pyrausta aurata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pyrausta aurata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrausta aurata
What is Pyrausta aurata?
Pyrausta aurata is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Pyrausta aurata found?
Habitat: Both larvae and adults occur in gardens as well as wild habitats with the foodplants.
When is Pyrausta aurata active?
Pyrausta aurata: seasonal activity - It has two generations: in May and June and again through July and August. It flies both during the day and at night..
What is the life cycle of a Pyrausta aurata?
The larvae feed on mints, including Spearmint, Apple Mint, Marjoram, Lemon Balm etc.