73.172 (2341) Cloaked Minor Mesoligia furuncula ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Status
Resident. Local.
Flight period
History
Lennon (1863) had found it common everywhere around the Dumfries area. K. J. Morton of Edinburgh (1900) whilst on a visit in July 1899 to Wigtownshire had found the Cloaked Minor in the Monreith area. While Gordon (1913) found it scarce and had only one record of it at the foot of the hill on Garheugh road, Luce Bay (VC74).
During 1996-2010 three sites in Dumfriesshire provided seven records, Kirkton, Durisdeer and Barnkirk Point. However, eleven sites in Wigtownshire produced eighteen records, while Old Torr and Mersehead RSPB, were the main sites in Kirkcudbrightshire. It seems West is best for this species.
Life cycle
One generation. Overwinters as a larva during August to early June, feeding inside the stems, where it eats out a chamber at the base of the foodplant for pupation to take place.
Larval foodplants
Larvae feed on various grasses.
Identification
A very variable moth in size and colour. Also, beware of similarities between Small Wainscot, Small Dotted Buff and other minors.
Habitat
Grassland, especially short, dry grassland as often found on the coast. |  Male © Keith Naylor, Mersehead RSPB, 27 July 2005 Distribution map displays records from the National Biodiversity Network (See terms and conditions). The following datasets are included:
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