Scarce Purple & Gold

A moth of short-turf, species-rich calcareous grassland, and very local within the county, though occasionally numerous where it occurs.&nbsp; Its stronghold is western Mendip, from Brean Down to the Crook Peak area.&nbsp; There are recent records from the Poldens and from Withycombe Scruffits west of Minehead, with multiple individuals in both areas suggesting resident populations.&nbsp; There are a few sites that would seem suitable from which it has not been recorded for some years - Thurlbear Quarrylands, Sand Point, Goblin Combe and Dolebury Warren.&nbsp; Needs to be separated with considerable care from other Pyrausta species, especially P. purpuralis.

Small Purple & Gold

The most widespread and numerous of the Pyraustas, and by far the most likely to be met with in gardens, where it can often form small colonies on thyme and marjoram.&nbsp; It tends to be absent from areas with acidic soils, where the foodplants are scarce, such as Exmoor, the Quantocks and the Levels.&nbsp; Double-brooded, in spring and summer, with the summer brood being far more numerous.

Common Purple & Gold

Fairly widespread across the county and likely to be found where species-rich grassland exists, but much less likely to be encountered casually or in gardens than the very similar Pyrausta aurata.&nbsp; Like that species, it is more likely to be found in areas with calcareous soils than acidic ones.

Pyrausta purpuralis

Common Purple & Gold