The mint moth is a small moth with a wingspan of only 10 to 15 mm. The mint moth is common in Europe and is found on dry, sun-drenched soils.
Do not confuse with:
Common Purple & Gold (Pyrausta purpuralis)
Mint butterfly (Pyrausta aurata) is a small moth with a wingspan of only 10 to 15 mm. The mint moth is common in Europe and is found on dry, sun-drenched soils. Mint is the host plant of this little moth. The mint moth flies during the day from April to September and has two generations per year. The caterpillars are dark green with black spots and feed on the leaves of mint species (mentha) and other plants in the mint family such as lemon balm (Melissa citronalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). The caterpillars of the second generation hibernate as pupae in the ground.
Where to find
- Mint (Mentha)
- Lemon balm
- Catnip
- Salvia
Control
Damage from caterpillars of the mint moth is minor, to control unnecessary.
Prevention
Does not apply.
