Marbled Minor vs Buff Ermine Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Marbled Minor Buff Ermine Moth
Scientific Name Oligia strigilis Spilosoma lutea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Erebidae
Size 24-28 mm wingspan 34-42 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Marbled Minor

A small, cryptically marked moth that is extremely variable in pattern. Part of a complex of similar-looking species that can only be reliably separated by dissection.

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Did You Know?

Part of a notoriously difficult species complex where three species look almost identical.

Buff Ermine Moth

A creamy-buff moth with scattered dark spots and a distinctive dark streak along the forewing costa. It closely resembles the White Ermine but has warmer tones.

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Did You Know?

Unlike many ermine moths, it has a conspicuous dark diagonal streak near the wing tip.