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Noctuidae is a family
of robustly-built moths that includes more than
35,000 known species, possibly 100,000 species
altogether, in more than 4,200 genera. They
constitute the largest family in the order
Lepidoptera. Most have drab forewings, although
some have brightly colored 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.
Some of the family are preyed upon by bats.
However, these members have developed an evasive
system whereby upon hearing the high pitched
note which is emitted by the bat to locate its
prey, a tiny organ in the ear sends muscles in
the wings into spasm - causing the moth to dart
around erratically. This random movement has the
effect of evading the incoming bat. 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. |