Cloaked Minor
Scientific name: Mesoligia furuncula
July - September. Ireland, southern England, coastal Scotland and Ireland. A small moth of varying shades of brown. Often found on open grassland like chalk downland, sand-dunes, gardens.
The moth varies considerably, from pale cream to dark brown with diverse markings, often with a central cross bar. It can be confused with the Rosy Minor, Middle-barred Minor and Least Minor, but the Cloaked Minor is generally more slender with narrower forewing. Males fly close to the ground late in the day. More frequently seen after dark.
Size and Family
- Family – Arches, Brindles, Minors, Rustics and allies (Amphipyrinae)
- Medium Sized
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Grasses such as Sheep’s-fescue, Tufted Hair-grass and False Oat-grass.
Distribution
- Countries – England, Scotland, Ireland
- Common throughout southern Britain, but more restricted to coastal areas in northern England, mainland Scotland, the Inner Hebrides, Man and Ireland.
Habitat
The moth is usually found in open, well-drained grassland, especially coastal sand-dunes, cliffs and chalk downland.
