caterpillars!

Pyrausta aurata (Mint moth)

Origanum vulgare (Oregano)

Last update: 30 November 2018


Common

LOCATION: Krimpen aan den IJssel, garden

OBSERVATION:
2018-IX-09


On several spots in the garden clusters of Mint moth (Pyrausta aurata) caterpillars were foraging. Usually they can be found on Nepeta spec. but this time I found them for the first time in Oregano (Origanum vulgare).

Mint moth (Pyrausta aurata) on Oreganum (Origanum vulgare)

Mint moth (Pyrausta aurata) on Oreganum (Origanum vulgare)

I have been breeding these moths a number of time, see also here, the whole description of the process from egg to moth is still an article in the backlog.
The larva in the pictures above are 4th instars what can be deducted from the green-red color gradient. Before the larvae were green colored but in the 4th instar they change color to purple red. Both larve were in the proces of making a nest by spinning a leaf. They construct a tube in which they live and molt. The bottom larva shows the most progression. The leaf is bent and closed with webbing. Usually the nest is created next to or underneath overhanging leafs that it than feeds on by extending partly from the tube.

 


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