Wavy-barred Sable

A rare and local calcareous grassland specialist.&nbsp; The only recent records are from the central Mendip scarp, between Fry's Hill and Westbury Beacon.&nbsp; Not recorded for around 20 years from Walton Common in the Gordano valley and from the limestone hills to the south of Bath.&nbsp; The moth is double-brooded nationally, but the second brood has very rarely been recorded in the county, most records being in late April and May.

Common Purple & Gold

Fairly widespread across the county and likely to be found where species-rich grassland exists, but much less likely to be encountered casually or in gardens than the very similar Pyrausta aurata.&nbsp; Like that species, it is more likely to be found in areas with calcareous soils than acidic ones.

Scarce Purple & Gold

A moth of short-turf, species-rich calcareous grassland, and very local within the county, though occasionally numerous where it occurs.&nbsp; Its stronghold is western Mendip, from Brean Down to the Crook Peak area.&nbsp; There are recent records from the Poldens and from Withycombe Scruffits west of Minehead, with multiple individuals in both areas suggesting resident populations.&nbsp; There are a few sites that would seem suitable from which it has not been recorded for some years - Thurlbear Quarrylands, Sand Point, Goblin Combe and Dolebury Warren.&nbsp; Needs to be separated with considerable care from other Pyrausta species, especially P. purpuralis.

Pyrausta ostrinalis

Scarce Purple & Gold