Gold Mint Moth

Before I start the blurb about a moth, I'd like to say an enormous Thank You to everybody who gave me stars and favourites on my Ice Crystals yesterday. It has been my second image to hit the spotlight in less than a week and I'm totally stunned!

Today is Macro day. I took some pleasing macros of the dead heads of Michaelmas Daisy's but, when found this little creature, I couldn't resist changing the blip.

This tiny but colourful little moth has the wonderful Latin name Pyrausta aurata or in plain Jane English, the Gold Mint Moth.
They are fairly common but with a wingspan of only 15-18 mm they often overlooked. They lay their eggs on the underside of leaves of members of the mint family, including Spearmint, Apple Mint, Marjoram and Lemon Balm.

It may have come inside, attracted by the light, from the mint patch by the back door but it shouldn't be around at this time of year and it may even have been hiding on the basil on the kitchen shelf, which is also a member of the mint family.

Initially it was easy to catch but, as soon as I tried to get it to settle in a good position to photograph, it fluttered away or wouldn't stay still.

This is far from the artistic shot I wanted but just as I thought I was getting somewhere, it disappeared. I've searched all over and can't find it!

Tomorrow Deadly Sins.. I don't know any! ;)