Noctuidae

73.175 Rufous Minor Oligia versicolor (Borkhausen, 1792)

Local

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

Forewing: 11 to 12mm

Habitats: Grasslands, grassy woodland clearings and rides, heathland, downland, coastal grassland, sea-cliffs and suburban gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to sugar and light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds inside the stems of Cock's-foot, Wavy Hair-grass 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 Smooth Meadow-grass, False Brome and wood-rushes.