Worldwide in distribution, Noctuidae is the largest family in Lepidoptera, with about 20,000 species, 2,900 of which are found in North America. Commonly called Owlet Moths or Miller Moths; the cutworms, armyworms, cabbage looper, and corn earworm are some of the serious agricultural pests occurring in this family.

Most noctuid moths are drab gray or brown, and have lines or spots on their wings.  When at rest, adults hold their wings above their bodies like a roof. Noctuids can be nocturnal or diurnal. Larvae feed on plant foliage, dead leaves, lichens, and fungi; some species are leaf miners, or leaf-borers. Noctuids pupate in cells in soil, in plant cavities, or in silk cocoons.