73.175 BF2338 – Rufous Minor – Noctuidae – Oligia versicolor
Rufous Minor – Noctuidae – Xyleninae – Oligia versicolor – colour code •
STATUS – A resident that is common and widely distributed in Derbyshire. Well represented especially in the lowland areas of the county but separation can be difficult from other minors.
ID POINTERS – Highly variable. A small medium sized moth, along with Marbled and Tawny Marbled Minors, are so difficult to separate, conclusive ID can only be determined by examination of the genitalia. However, Rufous is generally smaller than Marbled, the forewing is slightly broader and more rounded with a gently arched leading edge (costa). Often the oval and kidney marks are pale brown and conspicuous and forewing has pinkish or rosy tinges to otherwise reddish brown ground colour. There is also a reddish brown thoracic crest.
FLIGHT PERIOD – On the wing June – August.
IMAGES – Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Rufous Minor.
