Rufous Marbled Minor
Common NameRufous Marbled Minor
Scientific NameOligia versicolor
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)24.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-brown, cream, black
HabitatDamp woodlands, fens, marshes, wet meadows
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain, Ireland, and Central Europe
Host PlantsMolinia caerulea, Deschampsia cespitosa
Flight PeriodLate May to early August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within the stems of various grasses, overwintering as larvae and pupating in the soil during spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its rich rufous and dark brown marbling, especially the reddish-brown central band and the often prominent pale, wavy subterminal line. The reniform stigma is typically outlined in pale cream.
Description
A small, robust moth characterized by its forewings displaying a complex, marbled pattern of dark brown, rufous (reddish-brown), and creamy-yellow patches, often with a distinct pale subterminal line.
