noctuid

American  

[nok-choo-id, nok-too-id] / ˈnɒk tʃu ɪd, ˈnɒk tu ɪd /

adjective

1. belonging or relating to Noctuidae, a family of moths whose larvae include the armyworms and cutworms.

   The caterpillars on these larch trees have a distinctive noctuid appearance.

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noun

1. Also called owlet moth.  Also called noctuid moth,.  any of numerous, often dull-colored moths of the family Noctuidae, the larvae of which include the armyworms and cutworms, and the adults of which have a distinctively structured metathorax.

noctuid British  

/ ˈnɒktjʊɪd /

noun

1. any nocturnal moth of the family Noctuidae: includes the underwings and antler moth See also cutworm army worm

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Noctuidae

Etymology

Origin of noctuid

First recorded in 1875–80; from New Latin Noctuidae, from Noctu(a), a genus of European moths ( Latin noctua “little owl,” probably noun use of feminine of noctuus (unrecorded), from noct-, stem of nox “night” + -uus, adjective suffix) + -idae -id ²

Example Sentences

Through binoculars it resolves into a noctuid moth, wings flapping as it climbs vertically toward the tower.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2016

In the current issue of the American Scientist, Biologists Kenneth Roeder and Asher E. Treat explain how they pried into the defensive secrets of the noctuid moth, an insect that has demonstrated singular evasive skill.

From Time Magazine Archive

The birds at Lavallette fed extensively on noctuid moths.

From Comparative Breeding Behavior of Ammospiza caudacuta and A. maritima by Woolfenden, Glen E.

Remigia, rē-mij′i-a, n. a genus of noctuid moths.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

The evening primrose, with outstretched filaments, hangs a golden necklace about the welcome murmuring noctuid, while the various orchids excel in the ingenuity of their salutations.

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton