Marbled Minor
Oligia strigilis
This record describes Oligia strigilis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. 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.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Apameini
- Genus
- Oligia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, fens, woodland, heathland, scrub and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Flying from May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in the roots and stems of a number of grasses.
Additional species information
Recorded status
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.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Oligia strigilis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Marbled Minor (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marbled Minor
What is Marbled Minor?
Marbled Minor (Oligia strigilis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How do you identify Marbled Minor?
of this group is further complicated by the relative frequency of melanic specimens.
Where is Marbled Minor found?
Habitat: Grassland, fens, woodland, heathland, scrub and gardens.
When is Marbled Minor active?
Marbled Minor: seasonal activity - Flying from May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Marbled Minor?
The larvae feed in the roots and stems of a number of grasses.