Notodontidae
Encyclopedia : N : NO : NOT : Notodontidae
Notodontidae is a family of moths with approximately 3500 known species. Moths of this family are found in all parts of the world, but they are most concentrated in tropical areas, especially in the New World.
Species of this family tend to be heavy-bodied and long-winged, the wings held folded across the back of the body at rest. They rarely display any bright colours, usually being mainly grey or brown. These features mean they rather resemble Noctuidae although the families are not closely related. The adults do not feed. Many species have a tuft of hair on the trailing edge of the forewing which protrudes upwards at rest. This gives them the common name of prominents. The common names of some other species reflect their hairiness, such as Puss Moth and the group commonly known as kittens (Furcula spp), so named as they resemble small versions of the Puss Moth.
The larvae, by contrast, are usually hairless. They feed on trees and shrubs and often rest with both ends raised. The larvae of some species are truly extraordinary: That of the Puss Moth has a fearsome-looking "face" and two long whip-like "tails" (actually highly modified prolegs) and it rears both ends in a threatening display when disturbed. The larva of the Lobster Moth is even more remarkable, resembling a lobster.
Species
Species include:
- Buff-tip (Phalera bucephala)
- Poplar Kitten (Furcula bifida)
- Coxcomb Prominent (Ptilodon capucina)
- Rough Prominent (Nadata gibbosa)
References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
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