![]() Metathoracic tympanum is present and orient toward the anterior end of the body. Noctuid moths have quadrifid forewing venation. The labial palpi are of moderate dimensions, upturned, with the second segment densely scaled, and the third is short. The wing span ranged from 20 to 48 mm, depending on the species. Most noctuids are dull gray to brown in color and have lines or spots on their wings. Noctuids (Latin “night owl”) are nocturnal in habit, though some are diurnal. Edde, in Field Crop Arthropod Pests of Economic Importance, 2022 Classification and descriptionĪgrotis ipsilon is a member of the genus Agrotis, family Noctuidae. In the male, the genitalia consist of two fan-like lamellae, thickly fringed with long pale brown-yellow hairs, which partially surround the claspers. A reliable identification of the sexes requires dissection of genitalia. These spines are often difficult to see with naked eyes and are easily broken off. Males have a single long curved spine while females have two equal smaller ones on each hindwing. The number and shape of the spines on the front margin of the wing near the base can be used to separate the sexes. The hindwings have a dark brown band on outer margin, and a comma-shaped marking in the middle. ![]() This dark transverse band is very distinct in the darker specimens but is often scarcely visible in lighter individuals. The forewings have a dark spot near the center, and a broad dark transverse band near the tip of the wings that contains a paler patch. 6.3.1) due to temperature experienced during pupation ( Quaintance & Brues, 1905). The color tends to vary considerably ( Fig. They are light to dark brown in color with green eyes. 6.3.1A) are about 14–18 mm long and the wing span ranged from 30 to 47 mm long. There are no differences in color between the male and female moths, but the abdomen of the female is more pointed, and female antennae are much smoother than the bead-like, nearly hair-like or threadlike of the male ( Riley, 1883). The thorax is of the same color as the forewings, and the abdomen is like the hind wings. The hindwings are brown, darker at the outer margins, and white toward the base. A dark streak from these spots extends to the apex, nearly bisecting the apical angle. A row of small black points is also present near the outer margin (postmedial line) of each of the forewings. The round and kidney-shaped spots are indistinct in some specimens but appear as two yellow-red patches ( Gibson, 1915). A distinct white spot is present near the center of each of the forewings. The forewings are pointed at the tip, red gray or fawn color, and speckled with black spots. 9.6.1A) are variable in size, with an average specimen measuring about 40 mm in wing expanse. The cottonwood dagger moth ( Acronicta lepusculina) feeds on cottonwoods, poplars, aspens, birches, and willows. The smeared dagger moth ( Acronicta oblinita), the larva of which is known as the smartweed caterpillar, is a pest of apple and other fruit trees in addition, it is found on elms, oaks, pines, willows, cotton, corn, clover, smartweed, strawberry, and grasses. In North America only larvae of the genus Acronicta cause urticaria. The larvae of dagger moths are commonly covered with tufts of long hairs, superficially resembling the Arctiinae. Urticating species are primarily members of the subfamily Acronictinae (dagger moths). Spine hairs are type 8 with sharp tips that break off and penetrate the skin the spines may be branched and sometimes form brushes. ![]() Only a relatively few species are known to possess stinging hairs or spines. Zaspel, in Medical and Veterinary Entomology (Third Edition), 2019 NoctuidaeĪdults in this family are known as owlet moths or simply noctuids. (Note that caterpillars in the geometrid family are also called loopers, because they walk the same way.Gary R. Some noctuid caterpillars are loopers, which "walk" by arching their backs. The familiar cutworms and armyworms are pudgy, waxy looking, and hairless, while the caterpillars of dagger moths are hairy with tuftlike "pencils" of longer hairs. The group also includes armyworms, cutworms, corn earworms, the iris borer, and other pests.Ĭaterpillars in the noctuid family are so varied they cannot be described simply. This is a large family that includes dagger, owlet, and bird-dropping moths, and more. Some noctuids are colorful usually, moths with bright reds, oranges, or yellows with black markings are toxic or unpalatable to predators, and the bright colors serve as a warning, and therefore a defense. Most noctuids are camouflaged with lines and spots to resemble tree bark or bird droppings, but they can be subtly gorgeous with ornate patterns on their gray or tan wings. Adult noctuid moths may be small to large, generally have a heavy body for their size, and hold their wings tentlike over their bodies.
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