Lepidoptera Family Noctuida Moths
A glance at our list of British Noctua (Appendix I) will show that this family contains nearly fifty species and only three genera. It includes several very common moths that frequent our gardens and are to be met with during almost every summer evening ramble.
Most of the species are very dingy, but the half-dozen that comprise the genus Triphana are characterised by the bright colouring of the hind wings. The fore wings are narrow and more or less glossy, and overlap to a greater or less extent when the insects are at rest; and the hind wings are folded and completely hidden beneath them.
The larva are rather thick and smooth, and generally of very dingy colours. They feed on low plants, often confining their ravages to the roots, and generally lie well concealed close to the ground or under the surface.
The pupa are brown, smooth, and shining, and are usually inclosed in earthen cocoons.
We shall briefly notice a few members of each of the three genera.