63.007 BF1362

Pyrausta purpuralis

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan c.20 mm.

This distinctive purple and gold species flies both during the day and at night, and is distributed throughout much of Britain.

Preferring dry grassland and chalky downland habitats, the moth is double-brooded, flying from May to June and July to August.

The larvae feed on corn mint (Mentha arvensis) and thyme (Thymus).