Tiny Skipper on my Menta spicata blooms yesterday. At least, I am assuming it's a skipper! Anyone know which kind?



Here is a close-up.

It's most likely a Pyrausta sp., however there's a lot of them in the US. Ground colour and markings can be variable but generally if you look for one which has the large gold blobs on the underwing you might get close. If you find a look-alike, check to see if it's in your location.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

http://www.butterfliesandmoths...

Thanks Janet. That is very helpful!

It does appear to be Pyrausta orphisalis, the description on butterfliesandmoths says:

Forewing dark brown with a large orange pm. spot near costa; wide orange pm. band on hindwing

The forewing is the top wing, the costa is the 'leading edge' and the large orange pm (post median) spot fits, as well as the wide pm (post median) band on the hindwing which is the wings underneath.

That is a very pretty Moth.

It is very pretty! I looked it up in the HOSTS database and yup--Pyrausta orphisalis uses Mentha species as a larval host in the US. So I'll have to keep an eye on my spearmint and see if I notice any little Orange Mint Moth caterpillars. ;-)

Thanks so much, Janet!