PYRAUSTa MOTHS
Bicolored Pyrausta. I have seen this species every month from April through 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.
Another Orange-spotted Pyrausta moth. These moths come to my black lights, and they will also nectar at flowers during the day.
Inornate Pyrausta, also known as the Southern Pink Moth. These moths are more common in southern states. We are near the northern edge of their range in Ohio, but there have been an increasing number of observations in the southwest corner of the state. 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 of these moths at my UV lights from April through October.
Another Mint-loving Pyrausta. As the name indicates, their 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. There were a few sightings in Ohio in 2025.
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.
I have found Orange-spotted Pyrausta moths every month from April through September.
Another Bicolored Pyrausta, much more worn than the fresh individual above.
This Mint-loving Pyrausta has larger yellow patches than the two individuals above. The yellow markings are variable in this species.