73.173 BF2337  -  Noctuidae -  Xyleninae - Oligia strigilis - Marbled Minor Adult Macro:  CAT 4 - Dissection required - Dissection required       PDF Icon - click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines

Blue -  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Macro  >>  Noctuidae ID Difficulty:  Red - difficult to identify - detailed examination required, often a Gen Det and/or specimen and quality photographs are required.
Confusion Species: Rufous Minor, Tawny Marbled Minor
ID pointers: Highly variable, a high proportion are blackish melanic forms and obscurely marked. Bright individuals can show a large white cross band on trailing edge  bordered by a solid black bar. Because this species, along with Rufous and Tawny Marbled Minors, are so difficult to separate, conclusive ID can only be determined by examination of the genitalia. However there are features across the three species that can act as a guideline. In general Marbled is generally larger with an angular forewing shape and typically has the most contrasting black and white forewing pattern. 
Distribution:  A resident that is common and widely distributed in Derbyshire. Well represented across the county but separation is difficult from other minors and so status is difficult to determine.
Flight Period: July /  August /  -  On the wing June – August. Moth Activity: Nocturnal   - is attracted to light and sugar Photographed: Yes -  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
Wingspan: 22-35mm
Forewing: 11-13mm
Food Plant: Various grasses.
Recorded dates for Common [Blue codeBlue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

IMAGES BELOW:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©

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