Noctuidae

views updated

Noctuidae (noctuids, owlets, underwings, cutworms, army worms; subclass Pterygota, order Lepidoptera) Huge family of small to large moths, which are usually drab, sometimes with eye-spots. The proboscis is usually well developed. Larvae are not hairy. Pupation occurs below ground. The family includes serious pests, e.g. cutworms, stem borers, and foliage strippers. There are about 20 000 species, with a world-wide distribution.

More From encyclopedia.com