Woundwort Pearl
Common NameWoundwort Pearl
Scientific NamePyrausta aurata
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, yellowish-cream
HabitatGardens, meadows, woodland edges, waste ground, and other areas where host plants are abundant.
Geographic RangeWidespread across Europe, parts of North Africa, and temperate Asia; also introduced to North America.
Host PlantsStachys, Mentha, Origanum
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed internally within the stems and leaves of various Lamiaceae plants, particularly woundworts and mints, before pupating in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the striking contrast between the dark purplish-brown ground color and the bright yellowish-cream spots, and its association with mint and woundwort plants.
Description
A small moth characterized by its dark purplish-brown wings adorned with distinct, irregular yellowish-cream spots, often with a subtle metallic sheen.
