Characteristics
- Nocturnal moths of variable size (10–70 mm wingspan)
- Stout bodies, forewings often narrow, hindwings broader
- Frequent cryptic coloration (bark or leaf mimicry), but sometimes bright hindwing colors
- Filiform or pectinate antennae (in males)
- Functional proboscis (with exceptions)
Habitat
Noctuoidea inhabit:
- Forests, hedgerows, heathlands, meadows, agricultural areas
- Gardens, parks, urban environments
- From sea level to alpine zones
Biology
- Crepuscular to nocturnal activity
- Attracted to artificial light
- Eggs laid on leaves or stems
- Phytophagous caterpillars, sometimes urticating or hairy
- Pupation occurs in the soil or in a rudimentary cocoon
- Several species have multiple generations per year (multivoltine)
Included families
- Noctuidae – Main family: very large, generalist, often robust species
- Erebidae – Includes former Arctiidae (tiger moths), Lymantriinae (hairy moths)
- Nolidae, Euteliidae, Micronoctuidae – Lesser-known or more specialized families
Iconic species
- Noctua pronuba – Large Yellow Underwing: very common, yellow hindwings
- Autographa gamma – Silver Y: metallic mark on wings, also active by day
- Acronicta psi, Catocala nupta, Spodoptera littoralis – Varied in size and behavior, some are pests
Noteworthy traits
- High ecological adaptability
- Some species are active during the day or at dusk despite being noctuoids
- Some caterpillars are urticating or toxic
- Important role in nocturnal food webs (prey for bats, birds, spiders…)
A realistic illustration of Noctua pronuba in flight or resting with wings slightly open, or of an urticating caterpillar of Lymantria or Acronicta, will be added soon.