About Pyrausta aurata Scopoli
Pyrausta aurata Scopoli has a wingspan of 18–20 millimetres (0.7–0.8 in). Its forewings are purplish-brown, marked with golden yellow markings that vary widely in number and intensity. Usually, a single round postmedian golden spot sits near the forewing costa, often alongside other smaller minor golden spots. These yellow spots can be greatly reduced, even completely absent. Between the dorsum and the main golden spot, there is sometimes a faint, almost indistinct wavy golden postmedian line. The hindwings are dark brown or black, with a broad yellow transverse band located roughly in the center of the wing, and no additional spot closer to the basal area. This moth is very similar to its close relative Pyrausta purpuralis, which is slightly larger and has a broad continuous postmedian band, usually divided into at least three yellow spots. Fully grown caterpillars of Pyrausta aurata can reach a length of 13 mm. Caterpillars may be light green, dark green, light brown, black, grey, or reddish, with a darker line along the back, and a brownish black head. The pupa is quite slender, and ranges in color from red-brown to black-brown. This species can be found across most of Europe, and is also widespread in North Africa and North Asia. To the east, it occurs from Siberia to North China, Korea, and Japan. To the south, its range covers Asia Minor, the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Mongolia. These moths live in chalk and limestone grassland, woodland, marshland, and gardens.
