Cloaked Minor

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

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.