Pyrausta aurata       Pyrausta ostrinalis
Pyrausta purpuralis
63.007 BF1362  – Common Purple and Gold  – Pyrausta purpuralis  – (Linnaeus, 1758)
Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for General Verification Guidelines  |   PDF Icon – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread        day-flying – Day-flying
Taxonomy:   Micro   >>  Crambidae  >> Pyraustinae
ID Difficulty:  amber  – 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 Flight Period: June /  July /  August –  On the wing during June – August. Moth Activity: Cathemeral  – fly by day and by night Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: c.20mm
 Food Plant: Corn mint (Mentha arvensis) and Thyme (Thymus).
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code 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© 

Pyrausta purpuralis
Pyrausta purpuralis – Common Purple and Gold – Melbourne – Tony Davison
Pyrausta purpuralis


Image Gallery

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Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1997 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)

Distribution Map for Pyrausta purpuralis

Found 115 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 76 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 39 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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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

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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.

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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: 1.15%   |   Total % Change: 28.6%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Pyrausta purpuralis
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
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 – 115 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
Markham Vale South Tip PerimeterSK47K02/09/20251adultRadford, Markvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45083082
upper cromford gardenSK25Y22/08/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44789827
Inkersall gardenSK47G16/08/20252adultDon Cambridgevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44511753
Shirland - Hallfieldgate LaneSK35Z15/08/20251adultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC44515258
Ilkeston, DerbyshireSK44K15/08/20251adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44711805
Chaddesden GardenSK33T13/08/20251adultloverock, neilvc57_irecords_extractiBRC44493553
Allestree, DerbySK33P14/07/20253adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43590243
upper cromford gardenSK25Y11/07/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43358966
Glossop, Gnat Hole Rough FieldsSK09L10/07/20251adultHeintzen, Christianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43980128
Carsington PSSK25L09/07/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43235633
Inkersall gardenSK47G04/07/20252adultDon Cambridgevc57_irecords_extractiBRC42986153
Chaddesden, DerbySK33T21/06/20251adultroome, martinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43883736
Poolsbrook caravan site, Staveley, Derbys.SK47G19/06/20251adultRussell Nevinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48710674
Toyota UK Burnaston Pond - SSK23V27/04/20251AdultLawrence, Kelvinvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41749663
upper cromford gardenSK25Y07/08/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37754236
upper cromford gardenSK25Y31/07/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37589015
Allestree, DerbySK33P31/07/20241adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40193734
upper cromford gardenSK25Y20/07/20241adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC37232916
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F17/05/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39954975
Whitwell pitSK57I10/05/20241adultShaw, Davidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35876278
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F08/05/20241adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39954971
Allestree, DerbySK33P10/09/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48411650
SandiacreSK43T02/09/20231adultMilnes, Emilyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34667597
Allestree, DerbySK33P21/08/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48404315
Allestree, DerbySK33P11/08/20232adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48398506
Allestree, DerbySK33P04/08/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48396150
Allestree, DerbySK33P02/08/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48393577
Former Saint-Gobain Pipeworks, StaveleySK47C24/07/20231AdultWilson, R.I.vc57_irecords_extractiBRC39398505
Wirksworth Stone CentreSK25X23/07/20233adultPenson, Melanievc57_irecords_extractiBRC31835604
Derbyshire, UKSK07L19/07/20231AdultIan M. Whitevc57_irecords_extractiBRC31753573
Allestree, DerbySK33P12/06/20232adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48296696
Barrow Hill – restoration site W. of Hall LaneSK47H03/06/20231AdultSteve Price @ Sorby NHS outingvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39702012
Blackwell, Bolsover, England, GBSK45I26/05/20231Adultarthurolivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC30541617
Allestree, DerbySK33P04/05/20231adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48283327
Ninelands RoadSK28F28/08/20222adultBlues, Clarevc57_irecords_extractiBRC27970842
Allestree, DerbySK33P22/08/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48262512
Allestree, DerbySK33P19/08/20222adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48259411
Peak District National Park, Sheffield, England, GBSK27U15/08/20221AdultAndy Wilsonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC27680902
Allestree, DerbySK33P12/08/20223adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48258384
Allestree, DerbySK33P11/08/20224adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48246942
Allestree, DerbySK33P10/08/20222adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48246600
Allestree, DerbySK33P09/08/20222adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48246261
Allestree, DerbySK33P07/08/20222adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48242474
Allestree, DerbySK33P04/08/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48242345
Allestree, DerbySK33P31/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48238200
Allestree, DerbySK33P30/07/20222adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48237995
Allestree, DerbySK33P29/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48237926
Allestree, DerbySK33P20/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48233923
Allestree, DerbySK33P19/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48204954
allSK33P18/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48197794
Allestree, DerbySK33P07/09/20212adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46913759
Allestree, DerbySK33P21/08/20212adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46910005
Allestree, DerbySK33P20/08/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46909952
Kirk Hallam, IlkestonSK44K13/08/20211adultHobby, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41041152
Orchid WoodSK43L10/08/20211adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC21584660
Allestree, DerbySK33P05/08/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46780702
Allestree, DerbySK33P03/08/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46779945
Allestree, DerbySK33P27/07/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46778235
Allestree, DerbySK33P26/07/20213adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46685208
Allestree, DerbySK33P25/07/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46677248
Allestree, DerbySK33P19/07/20212adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46669770
Allestree, DerbySK33P24/06/20211adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46656716
Drakelow, Derbys.SK22F27/05/20211adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38493950
Allestree, DerbySK33P15/09/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46558320
Midway, Derbys.SK32A01/09/20201adultRose Williamsvc57_irecords_extractiBRC38448319
Allestree, DerbySK33P27/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46532419
Allestree, DerbySK33P21/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46520172
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X20/08/20201adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33559836
Allestree, DerbySK33P14/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46516398
Allestree, DerbySK33P13/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46516247
Allestree, DerbySK33P11/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46515072
Allestree, DerbySK33P10/08/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46515024
Allestree, DerbySK33P08/08/20202adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46514493
Woodland AveSK43R06/08/20201adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33501960
Allestree, DerbySK33P01/08/20203adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46382560
Allestree, DerbySK33P31/07/20201adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC46382194
Pleasley Pit CP, PleasleySK46X25/07/20193adultHILL, Mr B.J.N.Danes_2019-20211247
Breaston LagoonSK43R07/06/20191adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC10423509
Coombs Dale, CalverSK27H16/08/20181adultWatchorn, Andrewvc57_irecords_extractiBRC8690612
CressbrookSK17V19/07/20181AdultWhite, Ianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC7286636
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSESK37J02/07/20151adultWilliamson, Andyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC45698767
Duffield Rd, Allestree, DerbySK34K02/07/20141AdultP. Smithvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP0GV
Millennium Meadow NR, DuffieldSK34L18/08/20131AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COUY2
Welbeck Drive,WingerworthSK36T04/08/20111AdultB.J.N. Hillvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COU2M
Sunningdale Ave, SpondonSK33Y22/04/20111AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COXLS
Marlborough Rd,Long EatonSK43X22/08/20102AdultBryce, Marionvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP6IU
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R07/08/20101AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP6CA
DovedaleSK15K30/07/20101AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP68F
DovedaleSK15K25/07/20101AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP63E
DovedaleSK15K25/07/20101AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP63Q
Rose Av,ClowneSK57D21/07/20101AdultD. Hursthousevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COX9J
Hardhurst Rd, Alvaston, DerbySK33W20/07/20101AdultI. Gardlervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTDZ
Marlborough Rd,Long EatonSK43X21/06/20102AdultBryce, Marionvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP5G9
Bristol Rd,IlkestonSK44R19/08/20091AdultS.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWWU
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X11/08/20091adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33422398
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X11/08/20091AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSWM
Newboundmill Lane,PleasleySK56C09/08/20091AdultC. Stubbsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP049
Alfreton Park, AlfretonSK45C29/08/20082AdultDave Budworth;P. Patrickvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWMY
Westcroft Ave,Littleover,DerbySK33G23/09/20061AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZ7Z
Westcroft Ave,Littleover,DerbySK33G31/08/20061AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3JQ
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I07/08/20066AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3H7
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X28/07/20062adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33529662
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X28/07/20061AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3E7
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I26/07/20062AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3D3
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R25/07/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3CZ
The Hollies,Station Rd,Darley DaleSK26R24/07/20061AdultRoddis, Simonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP3CF
Westcroft Ave,Littleover,DerbySK33G01/07/20061AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CORS4
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X21/08/20052AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVWM
Church St,Holloway,MatlockSK35I17/08/20051AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2VP
Spinney Hill,MelbourneSK32X16/08/20051AdultDavison, Tonyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2VI
Long Dale, PikehallSK15Z14/07/20051AdultF. Harrisonvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2Q5
Rosliston (National Forest Centre), SwadlincoteSK21N06/08/20041AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2AP
Westcroft Ave,Littleover,DerbySK33G31/05/20041AdultN.J. Wardvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP1OW
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V06/08/20031AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP1KO
nr West HallamSK44L20/08/19971AdultT. Durovc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVEE

Pyrausta aurata       Pyrausta ostrinalis

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