Probably mint moths!
This year I have more water mint growing as it has now become more established in my small wildlife pond. I was intrigued when I saw this little moth flying in the daytime, which is rather unusual for many moths. After reading about mint moths and their association with mint, I went outside and found several similar moths resting on my water mint with a pair mating, with a moth and a male bumblebee sharing a flower together! As shown in the video!
Mint moth? Another first for my new wildlife garden!
I have little idea which species of moth it actually is. A Google search shows:
Pyrausta aurata and commonly known as the mint moth. It uses mint to lay its eggs on the food plant for its caterpillars.
Pyrausta purpuralis, which to me appears from the photograph in the link, to have more spots on its upper wings.
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Perhaps you have seen it in your wildlife garden, especially if you have mint growing?
A detailed comparison between the two species can be downloaded here and aptly named: Difficult moths!
This site advocates planting mints to “Get rid of moths with mint plants!” Well, don’t tell the mint moth!
For more information about moths visit UKmoths
Hi George, I’m pretty sure your moth is Pyrausta aurata. I see it every year, in my garden, mainly on the water mint and oregano. It’s the postmedian forewing markings which separate this from P purpuralis, as explained at http://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/pyrausta-aurata/
Regards, Teresa
Thanks for that Teresa, Sorry for the delay in replying, I have only just seen this! Cheers, George
I have a definite pair on my mint & oregano – different markings. Have spotted their eggs at last 🙂 Very endearing pair
Rachel please send me a photo or two of their eggs. Thanks, George
Hi,
I picked some mint and was going to make cocktails the other day. I did not end up doing it and so I left the mint in my kitchen. Two days later I’ve got a number of caterpillars and webbing on them. I was going to throw them but then had a change of thought and put the caterpillars on my existing mint plant in my garden. Hopefully they will become adult months or food for something else. Looking at them, I am sure they are from the mint moth. I’ve never noticed them in my garden before so I’m pleased I put the caterpillars back outside. I will now keep an eye out for these moths in my garden. It’s always nice when you spot a bit of wildlife that you never knew you got. Thank you for the information on them.
Nature can be fascinating especially self-discovery!Thanks for sharing, George