Pyrausta purpuralis
This record describes Pyrausta purpuralis (species). Recorded family: Crambidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan around 20 mm. In this species the postmedian markings can form a continuous broad band but it is usually broken into three substantial marks. The mark near the dorsum is always much more substantial than that, if any, on P. aurata and turns towards the base of the wing as it approaches the dorsal edge. The best identification feature is on the hindwing. This species has an additional yellow spot closer to the basal area. Preferring dry grassland and chalky downland habitats. The moth is double-brooded, flying from May to June and July to August. Flies both during the day and at night. Distributed fairly frequently throughout much of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Crambidae
- Genus
- Pyrausta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Preferring dry grassland and chalky downland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The moth is double-brooded, flying from May to June and July to August. Flies both during the day and at night.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Corn Mint and Thyme.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed fairly frequently throughout much of Britain. 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 purpuralis. 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 purpuralis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyrausta purpuralis
What is Pyrausta purpuralis?
Pyrausta purpuralis is a species in the family Crambidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Pyrausta purpuralis?
feature is on the hindwing. This species has an additional yellow spot closer to the basal area.
Where is Pyrausta purpuralis found?
Habitat: Preferring dry grassland and chalky downland habitats.
When is Pyrausta purpuralis active?
Pyrausta purpuralis: seasonal activity - The moth is double-brooded, flying from May to June and July to August. Flies both during the day and at night..
What is the life cycle of a Pyrausta purpuralis?
The larvae feed on Corn Mint and Thyme.