Noctuidae

73.174 Tawny Marbled Minor Oligia latruncula ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species: Marbled Minor Oligia strigilis 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, downland, sand-dunes, coastal grassland and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds inside the stems of Cock's-foot and probably other grasses. It changes stems as it grows. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon among the roots of its foodplant.

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