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Noctuidae

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The Noctuidae or Owlets are a family of robustly-built moths with more than 25,000 known species [possibly 100,000 in the family]. Most have drab forewings, although some have brightly coloured hindwings. There are usually few differences between the sexes. The overwhelming majority of noctuids fly at night and are almost invariably strongly attracted to light. Many are also attracted to sugar and nectar-rich flowers.

Several species have larvae (caterpillars) that live in the soil and are agricultural or horticultural pests. These are the "cutworms" that eat the bases of young brassicas and lettuces. They form hard, shiny pupae. Most noctuid larvae feed at night, resting in the soil or in a crevice in its food plant during the day.

Species include, (division in subfamilies, and the amount of subfamilies varies somewhat in various taxonomical systems):

Acronictinae

Amphipyrinae
Catocalinae
Cuculliinae
Hadeninae
Heliothinae
Ipimorphinae Noctuinae
Additional examples:



Arthropoda - Insecta - Families of Lepidoptera

 


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