Pyrausta aurata

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.

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)