Family Noctuidae (Owlet moths)

Noctuidae are considered the most controversial family in the superfamily Noctuoidea because of the constant changes to the taxonomic groups. It was considered the largest family in Lepidoptera for a long time, until subfamilies Lymantriinae, Catocalinae and Calpinae were transferred to Erebidae. Currently, Noctuidae contains about 1,089 genera and 11,772 species.

Noctuid larvae are commonly green or brown but can be brightly colored. Most are pudgy and smooth with rounded short heads and few setae.

In general, most noctuid adults have drab wings, but some subfamilies, such as Acronictinae and Agaristinae, are very colorful, especially those from tropical regions (e.g. Baorisa hieroglyphica).

The pupae range from shiny brown to dark brown but are bright brownish orange when newly pupate darkening after a few days.