63.007 BF1362 – Common Purple and Gold – Pyrausta purpuralis – (Linnaeus, 1758)
Adult Micro: CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –
– click for General Verification Guidelines | – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
– click for General Verification Guidelines | – click for Specific Verification Guidelines 
– Generally Common / Widespread 
– Day-flying
– care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required. Confusion Species: Pyrausta aurata
ID pointers: A small triangular shaped moth with a bright purple forewing and black hindwing. Similar to aurata but slightly larger. The forewing has an oblique gold yellow cross-band at about two thirds often appearing broken into three segments. One of which creates a large gold discal spot and sometimes with smaller spots. The cross band markings appear as though they are bordered with black or darker purple. Hindwing has a pale yellow to whitish cross-band running through it.
Distribution: A common and widespread species across the county. Favours wild and cultivated thyme and a variety of wild and cultivated Mint.
General Comment: None *** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below. Selected Images: Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Image Gallery
No gallery images found for this moth.
Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1997 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
This chart summarises all available historical occurrence records collated by ISO week of the year. It reflects recorder effort and sampling distribution as well as true biological activity, and should be interpreted as an indicative pattern of seasonal occurrence rather than a statistically controlled abundance or phenology model.
Distribution Map for Pyrausta purpuralis
Found 116 records
↳ from 2026+
↳ 77 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 39 from Before 2020
↳ from 2026+
↳ 77 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 39 from Before 2020
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Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.
NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Pyrausta purpuralis
⚠️ Please wait for the map to load fully – do not click the link shown.
Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however,
the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.
Monthly Records By Year:
Pyrausta purpuralis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Monthly Counts By Year:
Pyrausta purpuralis
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )
First/Last Recorded Dates: Pyrausta purpuralis
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]
Shading shows moth presence between dates
Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required
Recordings By Year: Pyrausta purpuralis
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Pyrausta purpuralis
AGR: 1.08% | Total % Change: 26.7%
Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Pyrausta purpuralis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Pyrausta purpuralis
Pyrausta purpuralis
Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.
Records Behind the Map and Charts - Pyrausta purpuralis – 116 records available
Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns
| Site Name | Tetrad | Date | Count | Stage | Recorder | Source | RecordKey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Markham Vale South Tip Perimeter | SK47K | 02/09/2025 | 1 | adult | Radford, Mark | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC45083082 |
| Belper, Derbyshire | SK34N | 25/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Newcombe, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC50608827 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 22/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44789827 |
| Inkersall garden | SK47G | 16/08/2025 | 2 | adult | Cambridge, Don | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44511753 |
| Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane | SK35Z | 15/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Mahadevan, Nikki | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44515258 |
| Ilkeston, Derbyshire | SK44K | 15/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Hobby, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44711805 |
| Chaddesden Garden | SK33T | 13/08/2025 | 1 | adult | loverock, neil | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44493553 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 14/07/2025 | 3 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43590243 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 11/07/2025 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43358966 |
| Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough Fields | SK09L | 10/07/2025 | 1 | adult | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43980128 |
| Carsington PS | SK25L | 09/07/2025 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43235633 |
| Inkersall garden | SK47G | 04/07/2025 | 2 | adult | Cambridge, Don | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC42986153 |
| Chaddesden, Derby | SK33T | 21/06/2025 | 1 | adult | roome, martin | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43883736 |
| Poolsbrook caravan site, Staveley, Derbys. | SK47G | 19/06/2025 | 1 | adult | Russell Nevin | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48710674 |
| Toyota UK Burnaston Pond - S | SK23V | 27/04/2025 | 1 | Adult | Lawrence, Kelvin | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41749663 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 07/08/2024 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37754236 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 31/07/2024 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37589015 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 31/07/2024 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC40193734 |
| upper cromford garden | SK25Y | 20/07/2024 | 1 | adult | Ashton, Clive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC37232916 |
| Drakelow, Derbys. | SK22F | 17/05/2024 | 1 | adult | Williams, Michael | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC39954975 |
| Whitwell pit | SK57I | 10/05/2024 | 1 | adult | Shaw, David | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35876278 |
| Drakelow, Derbys. | SK22F | 08/05/2024 | 1 | adult | Williams, Michael | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC39954971 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 10/09/2023 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48411650 |
| Sandiacre | SK43T | 02/09/2023 | 1 | adult | Milnes, Emily | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC34667597 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 21/08/2023 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48404315 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 11/08/2023 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48398506 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 04/08/2023 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48396150 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 02/08/2023 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48393577 |
| Former Saint-Gobain Pipeworks, Staveley | SK47C | 24/07/2023 | 1 | Adult | Wilson, R.I. | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC39398505 |
| Wirksworth Stone Centre | SK25X | 23/07/2023 | 3 | adult | Penson, Melanie | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC31835604 |
| Derbyshire, UK | SK07L | 19/07/2023 | 1 | Adult | Ian M. White | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC31753573 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 12/06/2023 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48296696 |
| Barrow Hill – restoration site W. of Hall Lane | SK47H | 03/06/2023 | 1 | Adult | Steve Price @ Sorby NHS outing | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC39702012 |
| Blackwell, Bolsover, England, GB | SK45I | 26/05/2023 | 1 | Adult | arthurolive | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC30541617 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 04/05/2023 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48283327 |
| Ninelands Road | SK28F | 28/08/2022 | 2 | adult | Blues, Clare | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27970842 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 22/08/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48262512 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 19/08/2022 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48259411 |
| Peak District National Park, Sheffield, England, GB | SK27U | 15/08/2022 | 1 | Adult | Andy Wilson | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC27680902 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 12/08/2022 | 3 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48258384 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 11/08/2022 | 4 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48246942 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 10/08/2022 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48246600 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 09/08/2022 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48246261 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 07/08/2022 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48242474 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 04/08/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48242345 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 31/07/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48238200 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 30/07/2022 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48237995 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 29/07/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48237926 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 20/07/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48233923 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 19/07/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48204954 |
| all | SK33P | 18/07/2022 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48197794 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 07/09/2021 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46913759 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 21/08/2021 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46910005 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 20/08/2021 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46909952 |
| Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston | SK44K | 13/08/2021 | 1 | adult | Hobby, Brian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC41041152 |
| Orchid Wood | SK43L | 10/08/2021 | 1 | adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC21584660 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 05/08/2021 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46780702 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 03/08/2021 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46779945 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 27/07/2021 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46778235 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 26/07/2021 | 3 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46685208 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 25/07/2021 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46677248 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 19/07/2021 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46669770 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 24/06/2021 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46656716 |
| Drakelow, Derbys. | SK22F | 27/05/2021 | 1 | adult | Williams, Michael | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38493950 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 15/09/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46558320 |
| Midway, Derbys. | SK32A | 01/09/2020 | 1 | adult | Rose Williams | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38448319 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 27/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46532419 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 21/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46520172 |
| Melbourne, Derbyshire | SK32X | 20/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33559836 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 14/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46516398 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 13/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46516247 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 11/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46515072 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 10/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46515024 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 08/08/2020 | 2 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46514493 |
| Woodland Ave | SK43R | 06/08/2020 | 1 | adult | Thorpe, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33501960 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 01/08/2020 | 3 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46382560 |
| Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 31/07/2020 | 1 | adult | Plant, Stephen | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46382194 |
| Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 25/07/2019 | 3 | adult | HILL, Mr B.J.N. | Danes_2019-2021 | 1247 |
| Breaston Lagoon | SK43R | 07/06/2019 | 1 | adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC10423509 |
| Coombs Dale, Calver | SK27H | 16/08/2018 | 1 | adult | Watchorn, Andrew | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC8690612 |
| Cressbrook | SK17V | 19/07/2018 | 1 | Adult | White, Ian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC7286636 |
| DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE | SK37J | 02/07/2015 | 1 | adult | Williamson, Andy | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC45698767 |
| Duffield Rd, Allestree, Derby | SK34K | 02/07/2014 | 1 | Adult | P. Smith | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP0GV |
| Millennium Meadow NR, Duffield | SK34L | 18/08/2013 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COUY2 |
| Welbeck Drive,Wingerworth | SK36T | 04/08/2011 | 1 | Adult | B.J.N. Hill | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COU2M |
| Sunningdale Ave, Spondon | SK33Y | 22/04/2011 | 1 | Adult | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COXLS |
| Marlborough Rd,Long Eaton | SK43X | 22/08/2010 | 2 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP6IU |
| The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale | SK26R | 07/08/2010 | 1 | Adult | Roddis, Simon | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP6CA |
| Dovedale | SK15K | 30/07/2010 | 1 | Adult | D. Grundy | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP68F |
| Dovedale | SK15K | 25/07/2010 | 1 | Adult | D. Grundy | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP63E |
| Dovedale | SK15K | 25/07/2010 | 1 | Adult | D. Grundy | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP63Q |
| Rose Av,Clowne | SK57D | 21/07/2010 | 1 | Adult | D. Hursthouse | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COX9J |
| Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, Derby | SK33W | 20/07/2010 | 1 | Adult | I. Gardler | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COTDZ |
| Marlborough Rd,Long Eaton | SK43X | 21/06/2010 | 2 | Adult | Bryce, Marion | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP5G9 |
| Bristol Rd,Ilkeston | SK44R | 19/08/2009 | 1 | Adult | S.L.P. Whiteley | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COWWU |
| Melbourne, Derbyshire | SK32X | 11/08/2009 | 1 | adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33422398 |
| Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 11/08/2009 | 1 | Adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COSWM |
| Newboundmill Lane,Pleasley | SK56C | 09/08/2009 | 1 | Adult | C. Stubbs | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP049 |
| Alfreton Park, Alfreton | SK45C | 29/08/2008 | 2 | Adult | Dave Budworth;P. Patrick | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COWMY |
| Westcroft Ave,Littleover,Derby | SK33G | 23/09/2006 | 1 | Adult | N.J. Ward | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COZ7Z |
| Westcroft Ave,Littleover,Derby | SK33G | 31/08/2006 | 1 | Adult | N.J. Ward | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP3JQ |
| Church St,Holloway,Matlock | SK35I | 07/08/2006 | 6 | Adult | F. Harrison | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP3H7 |
| Melbourne, Derbyshire | SK32X | 28/07/2006 | 2 | adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC33529662 |
| Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 28/07/2006 | 1 | Adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP3E7 |
| Church St,Holloway,Matlock | SK35I | 26/07/2006 | 2 | Adult | F. Harrison | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP3D3 |
| The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale | SK26R | 25/07/2006 | 1 | Adult | Roddis, Simon | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP3CZ |
| The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley Dale | SK26R | 24/07/2006 | 1 | Adult | Roddis, Simon | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP3CF |
| Westcroft Ave,Littleover,Derby | SK33G | 01/07/2006 | 1 | Adult | N.J. Ward | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CORS4 |
| Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 21/08/2005 | 2 | Adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COVWM |
| Church St,Holloway,Matlock | SK35I | 17/08/2005 | 1 | Adult | F. Harrison | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP2VP |
| Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 16/08/2005 | 1 | Adult | Davison, Tony | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP2VI |
| Long Dale, Pikehall | SK15Z | 14/07/2005 | 1 | Adult | F. Harrison | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP2Q5 |
| Rosliston (National Forest Centre), Swadlincote | SK21N | 06/08/2004 | 1 | Adult | Dave Budworth | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP2AP |
| Westcroft Ave,Littleover,Derby | SK33G | 31/05/2004 | 1 | Adult | N.J. Ward | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP1OW |
| Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 06/08/2003 | 1 | Adult | Dave Budworth | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP1KO |
| nr West Hallam | SK44L | 20/08/1997 | 1 | Adult | T. Duro | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COVEE |