Mint moth

(Pyrausta aurata)

The Mint moth Pyrausta aurata looks similar to its relative, the Mint moth Pyrausta purpuralis, but can usually be differentiated by the round gold blotch on its forewing and less gold either side of the gold round. Purpuralis has more gold, arranged in more of a bar. The background on both can be bright red-purple, especially in sunlight, or duller brown with age. Their caterpillars feed on varieties of mint.