Noctuidae

73.173 Marbled Minor Oligia strigilis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Tawny Marbled Minor Oligia latruncula and Rufous Minor Oligia versicolor have dark and pale forms similar to this species. Check genitalia.

Forewing: 11 to 13mm

Habitats: Grasslands, grassy woodland clearings and rides, moorland, downland, coastal grassland, parkland and gardens.

Habits: The moth visits honeydew and sugar. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds inside the stems of Cock's-foot, Reed Canary-grass, Common Couch and probably other grasses. It changes stems as it grows. It pupates in a chamber among the roots of its foodplant.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on meadow-grasses.