Morley’s Final Catalogue: The commonest of the group, but much scarcer than in south England. Rare at Ipswich lights 1895, infrequent at Blakenham Parva and Parham Wood (Mly) ; Dunwich, Lowestoft. Tuddenham and Elveden.

Recent Status: Recorded across the county but not so commonly as the similar Pyrausta aurita. Can also arrive as an immigrant..

Life Style: Generally quoted as being double brooded however the temporal occurrence in Suffolk suggests this may only be single. The larvae feed on Prunella vulgaris. Larvae overwinter, pupating in spring.

Identification: Pyrausta purpuralis is similar to P. aurata but less variable, more strongly marked and slightly larger. It also has a spot basad to the line on the hindwing. This is always visible on the underside of the hindwing. The markings between the dominant spot and the dorsum resemble a flying gull with the body on the termen side of the wings. This mark is similar on P. ostrinalis but the markings on that species are usually paler and dark edged.

Recorded in 37 (64%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1895. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

Exit Recorder