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.
The adult males can be seen flying low over the ground around sunset. They are attracted to light. The caterpillars can be found from August to early the following June feeding inside the stems of the foodplant.
Size and Family
- Family – Arches, Brindles, Minors, Rustics and allies (Amphipyrinae)
- Medium Sized
- Wingspan Range – 20-24mm
Conservation Status
- UK BAP: Not listed
- Common
Caterpillar Food Plants
Grasses such as Sheep’s-fescue (Festuca ovina), Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatus).
Habitat
The moth is usually found in open, well-drained grassland, especially coastal sand-dunes, cliffs and chalk downland.
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.
Cloaked Minor
Cloaked Minor - Garry Barlow
Cloaked Minor
Garry Barlow
Peter Maton
Cloaked Minor
Peter Maton
Cloaked Minor - Vlad Proklov
Cloaked Minor
Vlad Proklov
Cloaked Minor - Vlad Proklov
Cloaked Minor
Vlad Proklov
Cloaked Minor - Ben Sale
Cloaked Minor
Ben Sale
Cloaked Minor - Donald Hobern
Cloaked Minor
Donald Hobern
Cloaked Minor - Ben Sale
Cloaked Minor
Ben Sale
Cloaked Minor - Dave Shenton
Cloaked Minor
Dave Shenton