A common species once mainly associated with limestone grassland but which has now spread in to gardens where Mint and Marjorum is grown.

The larvae feed on the under-surface of a leaf and later in a web amongst the flowers of the foodplant. The adults fly during the day and also come to light.

Note often confused with P. purpuralis. P. aurata has a large golden spot on the forewing and occasionally traces of small spots either side whereas in P. purpuralis the spot is paler yellow and there is a more distinct crossline. In P. aurata there is at most a faint subterminal line on the underside of the forewing wheras this is more obvious on P. purpuralis. In the spread hindwing, unlike in P. purpuralis, there is no spot at the base beyond the golden crossline.

Recorded in 102 (73%) of 140 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1887. Last Recorded in 2024. (Data up to end 2023) Additional Stats

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