Common Crimson-and-gold Moth
ExploreInsects
Common Crimson-and-gold Moth
Pyrausta purpuralis
The Common Crimson-and-gold Moth is a colorful insect with bright red and gold wings. It flutters around at night, adding beauty to the dark sky and loves to visit flowers for nectar.
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
Appearance
The Common Crimson-and-gold Moth has striking forewings of purplish-red, emblazoned with two irregular golden-yellow bands. Its hindwings are dark grey-brown, crossed by a single golden band. This vivid coloration makes it easily distinguishable from other small moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCrambidaeGenusPyrausta
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult moths have a long 'tongue' called a proboscis to drink nectar!
Its caterpillars live hidden inside plant stems or silken webs!
Some people call them 'mint moths' because of what their babies eat!
This moth loves sunshine and is often seen fluttering on sunny days!
Special abilities
Ability
Warning Colors
Common Crimson-and-gold Moth has bright colors that warn predators it might taste bad, helping it avoid being eaten.
Ability
Daylight Flight
Common Crimson-and-gold Moth can fly during the day, which helps it find flowers for nectar when other moths are resting.
Ability
Herbivore Specialization
Common Crimson-and-gold Moth larvae can eat plants from the mint family, giving them a specialized food source.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 18-24 mm
- Size
- 8-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-28 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on mint plants, while adults sip sweet flower nectar!
Age differences: Caterpillars eat leaves and stems, while adult moths drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Wild Thyme leaves
- Marjoram leaves
- Mint plant stems
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Wild Thyme
Thymus serpyllum
Larvae eat its leaves and stems.
depends on
Marjoram
Origanum vulgare
Caterpillars feed on its foliage.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Adult moths can become bird prey.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Common Crimson-and-gold Moth's wingspan?
18-24 mm
How big is Common Crimson-and-gold Moth?
8-12 mm
How long does Common Crimson-and-gold Moth live?
14-28 days
How fast can Common Crimson-and-gold Moth fly?
8 km/h
What does Common Crimson-and-gold Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch on mint plants, while adults sip sweet flower nectar!
Where is Common Crimson-and-gold Moth usually found?
Urban areas, Gardens
How does Common Crimson-and-gold Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Common Crimson-and-gold Moth have?
6
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