A species of rather open country, either damp or dry, but preferring calcareous grassland.

The larvae feed between spun leaves of Mint or Thyme while the adults fly by day as well as coming to light.

Note often confused with P. aurata. That species 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 whereas this is more obvious on P. purpuralis. In the spread hindwing, unlike in P. aurata, there is a pale spot at the base beyond the yellowish crossline.

Recorded in 80 (57%) of 140 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1876. Last Recorded in 2024. (Data up to end 2023) Additional Stats

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