Mint moth
Goldzünsler ( Pyrausta aurata )
The Goldzünsler ( Pyrausta aurata ), also called mint moth is a butterfly of the family Crambidae. The species is often found in the literature under the name Purpurzünsler; this name is still used occasionally for the purple corn borer ( Pyrausta purpuralis ). This species is also very similar and is often confused with the Goldzünsler.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The moths of Goldzünslers reach a wingspan of about 18 to 20 millimeters (or a forewing length 8-9 mm). The front wings are in the color purple to red-brown with a few yellow spots. The number and intensity of the spots is variable up almost to a complete lack. Approximately in the wing center runs a more or less distinctly developed, dark transverse line drawn on the posterior margin. This is corrugated to jagged and ends approximately in the center of the inner edge (or trailing edge ) of the front wing. The yellow spots, if present, can root downward sit like saumwärts the transverse line.
The hind wings are dark brown to black with a broad yellow transverse fascia at about the wing center.
The egg is colored oblong and greenish- yellowish.
The caterpillar is light green, dark green, light brown, black, gray, or even reddish colored and shows a darker dorsal line. The head and neck shield are brownish black. She will grow up to 13 mm long.
The slim doll is reddish brown to blackish brown.
Similar Species
The species is the purple corn borer ( Pyrausta purpuralis ) difficult to distinguish, and also Pyrausta ostrinalis can sometimes be very similar.
- In Pyrausta purpuralis the cross- line forms to the rear edge toward a wide, sweeping arc basalwärts. The ever-present yellow spot at the posterior border is saumwärts, and he is usually in the form a crescent shape. For Saumfeld towards the spot unravels from common and can form multiple peaks. However, it can also be cut straight. The transverse line ends at the trailing edge approximately in the middle of the trailing edge. The arc of the cross- line is slightly steeper than in Pyrausta ostrinalis, the yellow spot therefore somewhat more compact ( " third " or " half-moon ").
- Pyrausta aurata has a wave to angular line as a cross line. The yellow spots are distributed on both sides of the transverse line. The yellow spots can also be greatly reduced or even a complete absence. The transverse line ends at the trailing edge saumwärts the middle of the trailing edge.
- At Pyrausta ostrinalis the yellow spots are formed in the form of a more or continuous transverse strip. The dark transverse line intersects this band in a wide, flat sheet. The rear yellow spot is therefore usually elongated ( " crescent ").
Geographical distribution and habitat
The species is widespread in Europe, North Africa and South Asia. In the east, the distribution area over Siberia extends to the Russian Far East, northern China, Korea and Japan. In the south it extends through Asia Minor, the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia and Mongolia.
To their habitat includes dry and wet meadows, pastures and grassy sites on streams, paths and forest edges and gardens.
Way of life
The Goldzünsler forms in Central Europe two generations per year; the moths fly from May to June and from July to August. The moths are diurnal and nocturnal. Among the food plants of the caterpillar include mints (Mentha ), thyme (Thymus ), oregano (Origanum vulgare), Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis), lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis), catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) and mountain mints ( Calamintha ). The caterpillars live socially in cocoons of spun together leaves or flowers of the food plants. First comes the window before feeding, later mostly marginal or pitting before, even the flowers are eaten. The caterpillars are found from June to July and then again in September. Pupation takes place in the summer generation web. The caterpillars of the second generation overwinter and pupate in the spring jn a cocoon on the ground.
Systematics and Taxonomy
The taxon was in 1763 by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli ( in this publication Ioannes Antonius Scopoli written ) as Phalaena aurata first described scientifically. The type locality is " Carniola " ( Krain, today Slovenia ); the holotype is lost.