ABH: 63.008
BF: 1363
Family: Crambidae
Subfamily: Pyraustinae
Taxon: Pyrausta ostrinalis
Authority: (Hübner, 1796)
Vernacular: Scarce Purple & Gold
Account: Local, in dry grassland and on chalk downland, throughout much of Britain Markings very similar to those of P. purpuralis but when fresh has a subtly pinker colour to the forewing which is narrower and has a slightly concave leading edge. The cream spots markings are generally linked together and edged with black. The least subjective criteria can be found on the underside of the wing, viewable best on a set specimen but also on the live moth in a clear container: the pale subterminal line in P.purpuralis is nearly straight and fades before the costa, whereas in the present species it curves to meet the postmedian line at the costa (see British Pyralid Moths, Goater 1986 p.67 for illustration). The larva feeds on Wild Thyme. A good photograph or specimen is required for records of this species to be accepted.
Wingspan: 15 — 21mm
Surrey Flight Period: 5 Jul (1995) — 29 Jul (1995)
Foodplant:
Status: Nationally Scarce B
UK BAP:
WCA:
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Verification Grade: 2 — Care needed to identify, an image may be required 🤔
Further Information: https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/pyrausta-ostrinalis/
* Based on adult records only.
Records: 2
Individuals: 0
Earliest Year: 1995
Latest Year: 1995