Marbled Minor - Oligia strigilis

Wingspan 22-25 mm. One of a complex of three species, which can only be reliably separated by dissection of the genitalia. The other two species are Tawny Marbled Minor (O. latruncula) and Rufous Minor (O. versicolor). The identification of this group is further complicated by the relative frequency of melanic specimens.

Where a photograph is surrounded by a red box it means the subject is likely to be this species but has not been definitively identified as such.

Grassland, fens, woodland, heathland, scrub and gardens.

Flying from May to July.

The larvae feed in the roots and stems of a number of grasses.

Common and widespread, occurring throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

As an aggregate group the Minor species are common in Leicestershire and Rutland, but there are not many confirmed records. L&R Moth Group status = A (G) (common and resident, but genitalia examination needed for secure identification)