73.173 (2337) Marbled Minor Oligia strigilis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Status
Resident. Common.
Flight period
History
Lennon (1863) had found it common around the Dumfries area. Douglas Robinson (1870-71) had found it very abundant and variable on Almorness (VC73) in July. Gordon (1913) had found it common at sugar at Corsemalzie in June, with Var. aethiops occurring commonly. Presumably he meant the darker variety. Earliest date was 15th June 1901. Due to the difficulty of separating Oligia species the text above is as it was recorded but is to be treated with caution.
Life cycle
One generation. Overwinters as a larva during August to May, feeding inside a stem of grass. Pupation takes place among the roots of grasses.
Larval foodplants
A variety of grasses.
Identification
Although the criteria laid out in Waring (2009) and Skinner (2009) will probably identify it, genitalia examination is required for confirmation.
Habitat
A wide variety of grassy areas.
Recorders' notes
Only select a minimum of specimens to determine to species level at new sites. |
© Keith Naylor, Ken-Dee Marshes RSPB, 21 July 2011 Distribution map displays records from the National Biodiversity Network (See terms and conditions). The following datasets are included:
![]() |