orange mint moth

not listed

NNR - Unranked

SNR - Unranked

not listed

Orange mint moth is a small, common, widespread, native, crambid moth. It occurs in the United States and southern Canada from Nova Scotia to northern Florida, west to British Columbia and California. It is most common in the northeast and in the upper Midwest. It is relatively common in Minnesota. Adults are found from May to September in a variety of habitats. The larvae feed on mints (Mentha spp.) and possibly also on at least one species of beebalms and bergamots (Monarda spp.).

Orange mint moth is common in commercial mint fields in the northeast, and it is considered a beneficial insect. The first stage (instar) feeds on the leaves, stimulating branching and increased leaf production. Second and third instars feed on the inflorescence, removing menthofuran, an undesirable chemical.

Adults are triangle shaped and ¼″ to ⅜″ (7 to 10 mm) in length. They have a ⅝″ (15 to 17 mm) wingspan. The forewings are broad and are often kept spread out when at rest. They are dark brown or dark crimson with orange, orangish-yellow, or yellow markings, including a large patch in the basal area and a large spot in the postmedial (PM) area near the leading edge (costal margin). The spot in the PM area has a thin, dark, diagonal band running through it. The hindwings are black with a broad yellow postmedial band and a yellow discal spot.

Total length: ¼″ to ⅜″ (7 to 10 mm)

Wingspan: ⅝″ (15 to 17 mm)

A variety of habitats

May to September

Adults are wary and will take flight and dive into the canopy long before a human reaches its location. They are active at night and will come to lights. They are often seen at mud puddles during the day.

The larvae have five instars.

There are two or three generations per year: late June to late July; early August to mid-September; and possibly a third generation from late September, overwintering as pupae, and becoming active in May of the following year. More details of the life cycle of this species are unknown.

Mints (Mentha spp.) and possibly beebalms and bergamots (Monarda spp.)

Flower nectar

Sources

21, 24, 29, 30, 75, 82, 83.

Pyrausta orphisalis - Orange Mint Moth

Pyrausta orphisalis, Orange Mint Moth, on common yarrow. Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI, photo taken on July 11, 2021.

Location: Eden Prairie, MN

Backyard pollinator garden abutting Southwest biking trail

Location: near Houston, MN

Location: Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI

Pyrausta orphisalis, Orange Mint Moth, on common yarrow. Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI, photo taken on July 11, 2021.