Pyrausta purpuralis

Irish status: Widespread

Pyrausta purpuralis - This small moth's main food plant is mint. It can be found where wild mint grows on which the caterpillars feed, but also feeds on marjoram or thyme. It flies by day or night from May to September. Small with a wingspan of around 18 mm. Some older or worn of the species show a brown colour as shown in one of these photographs. These photographs from Greaghnafarna and Lough Annagh Co. Leitrim.