Mint Moth

While out in the garden yesterday, the children spotted something small fluttering around the marjoram. On closer look there were several of them, at least 6 we counted and they looked like small butterflies. When they stopped to rest on the marjoram they rested with their wings open, showing off their beautiful colouring, a purple brown colour with gold markings. I had a vague recollection that if they rested for a longer period with their wings open they could be moths rather than butterflies. Although it was daytime, and I tend to think of moths as being generally nocturnal, so I wasn't sure!

So after some searching I discovered that they were  micro moths, called Mint moths, also known as Pyrausta aurata. Apparently they get their name from the caterpillars, that like to feed on mint plants. We do have a pineapple mint plant in the garden, so maybe they have been feasting on that. Also the moth itself likes marjoram, so that makes sense why my marjoram had lots on it, and they fly day and night. So it's a myth that all moths come out at night, some fly during the day too.

Mint Moth

If you have some marjoram in the garden, have a look on the leaves or flowers and see if you have this little moth in your garden. It's really pretty. Have you spotted them before in your garden?