Name of tiny butterfly - Ask Extension
We have these tiny orange butterflies in the garden. At first I thought they were small flies, they are no bigger than a fingernail. They are much s...
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Name of tiny butterfly #810280
Asked September 10, 2022, 11:52 PM EDT
We have these tiny orange butterflies in the garden. At first I thought they were small flies, they are no bigger than a fingernail. They are much smaller than the skippers I am used to seeing. They love the spearmint flowers especially. I have attached a picture. Can you tell me what these are? I live in Forest Grove, OR.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Interestingly enough, it is a mint moth - a species in the genus Pyrausta. The caterpillars of these species feed on mint and the adult moths can be seen foraging for nectar in mint flowers as they look for places to lay their eggs. They are relatively common in the Willamette Valley.
Thank you. What wonderful information!
