Description: Wingspan 24-27 mm. Forewings are generally darkish brown with a copper-coloured band towards the outer area. The orbicular and reniform stigmata are not clearly defined. The antemedian and post median lines are not distinct, but the latter curves towards the dorsum. Both are often united by a small black bar. Hindwings pale fuscous. Late May until mid-August.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic; in Europe it is found from Spain as far north as Finland.

Irish Distribution: Widespread and not uncommon in parts of north Armagh, Down and Fermanagh. Elsewhere sporadic, with very few records north of Lough Neagh. This species bears a close resemblance to the Marbled Minor O. strigilis which has led to some confusion. In recent years the Tawny Marbled Minor has been more widely recorded a view which is shared by Baynes. However it is not known how many have been identified by critical examination.

Ecology: A grassland species which occurs in a variety of grassy habitats. Adults come frequently to light and occasionally honey-dew. The larvae feed internally during April and May on various grasses. It probably spends the winter in the larval stage.

Key Identification Features:

• Pale copper coloured band along the outer margin of the forewing
• Small black bar uniting antemedian and post median lines

Distribution Map from NBN: Oligia latruncula at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Oligia latruncula at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.