73.173 BF2337 – Marbled Minor – Noctuidae – Oligia strigilis
Marbled Minor – Noctuidae – Xyleninae – Oligia strigilis – colour code •
STATUS – 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.
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.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing June – August.
IMAGES – Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Marbled Minor – June 2014
