Volupial Mint Moth
Common NameVolupial Mint Moth
Scientific NamePyrausta purpuralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorspurple, pink, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, gardens, areas with mint plants
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa
Host PlantsMentha spp. (mint)
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various mint species, creating silken tubes or webs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically near the ground among leaf litter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its distinctive iridescent purplish-pink coloration combined with the two prominent wavy white lines across the forewings. The white fringe along the wing margins is also a key feature.
Description
A small moth characterized by its vibrant, iridescent purplish-pink forewings, prominently marked with two wavy white transverse lines and a white fringe.
