Identification

Only separable from Marbled Minor and Rufous Minor by examination of the genitalia.

Record undissected specimens as Marbled Minor agg. (Oligia strigilis agg.)

Recording Method.

Attracted to light, also comes to sugar.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva, during August to April, feeding inside a stem of grass, pupating in the roots.

Larval foodplants

Grasses.

Habitat

A wide variety of grasslands, including gardens and woodland rides.

History

The first record was when Sir Arthur Duncan found it at Closeburn (VC72) on 22nd July 1970 and determined by E. C. Pelham-Clinton, specimen in National Museums Scotland.

During 1975-91 all Rothamsted stations apart from Caerlaverock, recorded just under twenty records.

From 1995 to 2010 confirmed records have been found at Torrs Warren, Glentrool, Abbey Burn Foot and Durisdeer.