PYRAUSTa MOTHS
Bicolored Pyrausta. I have found this species in April, May, August, and September. They can be attracted with UV lights or observed nectaring at flowers during the day. The individual at left was photographed at Spring Lakes Park in Bellbrook.
Orange-spotted Pyrausta on a Black-eyed Susan flower. The flower illustrates how small this moth is.
Another Orange-spotted Pyrausta moth. I have found these moths every month from April through September.
Inornate Pyrausta, also known as the Southern Pink Moth. These moths are typically found in southern states, and they are somewhat uncommon in Ohio. Southern Pink Moths are fond of salvia flowers. I found this individual near a bunch of salvias at Cox Arboretum. Photographed October 7, 2015.
Mint-loving Pyrausta. I have found a few individuals at my UV lights in April, August, and September.
Another Mint-loving Pyrausta. As the name indicates, the caterpillars eat plants in the mint family.
Last but not least, here is a Variable Reddish Pyrausta that came to my moth lights on August 14, 2021. I have not been able to find any prior Ohio records of this species, but they have been documented in states all around Ohio, including Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
Raspberry Pyrausta, photographed at my moth lights on June 24, 2022. I have found a couple of individuals at my moth lights in June.
Another Raspberry Pyrausta, hiding in the vegetation at Cox Arboretum. Photographed on June 7, 2023.
Orange-spotted Pyrausta moth (also known as the Orange Mint Moth). These are common and very tiny moths.