Mint Moth
ExploreInsects
Mint Moth
Pyrausta aurata
The Mint Moth is a small, colorful insect that loves to flutter around mint plants. Its bright green and gold wings make it look like a tiny jewel in the garden!
Habitat: Gardens
Appearance
The Mint Moth has striking metallic purplish-red wings adorned with bright, irregular yellow spots and a distinctive white fringe along the edges. Its vibrant coloration makes it easily stand out against green foliage compared to other small moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCrambidaeGenusPyrausta
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its caterpillars love to munch on mint leaves, making them taste quite strong!
Look closely, and you might see shimmering gold dust on their vibrant wings!
Mint Moths are active during the day, fluttering among garden flowers in the sunshine.
They have a long straw-like tongue, perfect for sipping sugary flower nectar.
Special abilities
Ability
Proboscis Power
Mint Moth has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar deep inside flowers.
Ability
Flavor Shield
Mint Moth caterpillars eat mint plants, which might make them taste unpleasant to some predators.
Ability
Quick Generations
Mint Moths can complete their life cycle quickly, allowing them to have several broods in a single warm season.
Ability
Daytime Flier
Mint Moths can fly during the day, which helps them find flowers for nectar when other moths are resting.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-20 mm
- Size
- 7-10 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars munch on mint leaves, while adult moths sip sweet flower nectar.
Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults feed solely on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Mentha spicata
- Origanum vulgare
- Thymus vulgaris
- Buddleja davidii
- Taraxacum officinale
- Rubus fruticosus
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Spearmint
Mentha spicata
Larvae feed on the leaves.
eaten by
Wild Marjoram
Origanum vulgare
Caterpillars also feed on these leaves.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Birds like tits prey on adult moths.
pollinates
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Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Adults visit dandelions for nectar.
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.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
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
Don't touch moths; just watch them fly around and enjoy their beauty!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mint Moth's wingspan?
15-20 mm
How big is Mint Moth?
7-10 mm
How long does Mint Moth live?
10-20 days
How fast can Mint Moth fly?
5 km/h
What does Mint Moth eat?
Caterpillars munch on mint leaves, while adult moths sip sweet flower nectar.
Where is Mint Moth usually found?
Gardens
How does Mint Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Mint Moth have?
6
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