Cloaked Minor (Mesoligia furuncula, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775))

General Information
This is a very variable species with a wide range of colour forms and patterns.

Pupates in a chamber at the base of the food plant.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 10-12mm.
Foodplant(s): Sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), grasses
Flying: One generation, late July-early September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Fens, grassland, open woodland, scrub, heathland and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 111 (41.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 25 May to 13 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 12 July to 12 July

Similar Species

f. pallida, Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

Middle-barred Minor Oligia fasciuncula

Small Dotted Buff Photedes minima

Whitelye, Monmouthshire. 28th Aug. 2021. Light trap.

Small Wainscot Denticucullus pygmina (=Chortodes)

2341 (ABH73.172) Cloaked Minor Mesoligia furuncula, ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

KR09786