448 NATURAL HISTORY OF ARTHROPODS. 



any other, with the exception of the Tineidse. They are very generally distributed 

 over the surface of the globe, and many are exceedingly destructive to agricultural 

 products. The majority of these moths are of dull colors, yet some are clothed in the 

 gayest plumage. There is, perhaps, as great a range in size, if not greater, than in any 

 other family, for while some have an expanse of wings of half an inch, or less, others 

 are of comparatively gigantic proportions, expanding from eight to ten inches. The 

 typical noctuids are rather stout-bodied insects, generally with narrow fore wings, which, 

 Avhen at rest, are brought together along the back, and the hind wings folded under 

 them. They fly, almost without exception, in the night ; and the caterpillars of many 

 of the species are nocturnal also in their habits, hiding by day under sticks or stones, 

 or, as in the case of the so-called cut-worms, burrowing into the ground. The antennas 

 are about two-thirds as long as the fore wings, threadlike, tapering towards the outer 

 end, entirely simple in some species, but with line cilia in others. The head is usually 

 globose, quite closely attached to the body, with the front smooth, or with variously 

 formed protuberances. The eyes are naked in many of the species ; but others have 

 fine, short hairs between the facets, and still others have hairs above and below, in the 

 form of lashes. Two ocelli are generally present near the base of the antennas. The 

 labial palpi are well developed, and, in some species, turned up over the head, extend- 

 ing along backwards over the thorax. The tongue is comparatively long in most of 

 the species, and the collar, in a few, has the scales turned forward over the head. 

 Some have the scales of the thorax turned up more or less in tufts, while others have 

 the vestiture smooth. A few species have one or more tufts along the top of the 

 abdomen. The legs are stout, the middle and hind tibias having a pair of spurs at the 

 end, and the hind tibiae a pair near the middle, also, while the fore tibias have a spine 

 (tibial epiphysis) on the inside. Many species have their legs armed with sharp spines, 

 and sometimes clothed, more or less densely, with hair-like scales. 



The eggs of the Noctuids are of various colors, and differ much in their form and 

 markings. They are deposited singly or in clusters, and the duration of the egg state 

 varies much in the different species. The caterpillars are smooth and cylindrical in 

 many species, but with spinose tubercles in others. They all have six true legs, and 

 the majority have ten prolegs or abdominal feet; but a few have less, some having so 

 few that in moving they have a looping motion, like the geometers. The noctuids are 

 attracted in various ways. Many of them, in common with other nocturnal moths, 

 will come, on warm, dark nights, to any strong light; and their eyes often glow like 

 coals of fire as they rest upon the glass near the light. Some are drawn to strongly 

 fragrant flowers, and also to sap exuding from trees, as well as to baits of molasses or 

 other odorous substances which are used by collectors ; and at times they are so intent 

 on feeding that they are not disturbed even when the full glare of a lantern is turned 

 on them. Some species are attracted to flowers alone, others only to light, others to 

 sugar, and still others may be obtained by either of these methods. 



The largest noctuid known at present is the gigantic TJiysania agrippwia of Bra- 

 zil. This monster moth measures eight inches or more between the tips of its extended 

 wings, and some examples are said to expand nearly a foot. 



Erebus odora is the largest noctuid which has been found in North America up to 

 the present time. It expands six inches, or more, and is of a dark brown color, 

 sprinkled with gray scales. The wings are crossed by numerous light and dark wavy 

 lines, and the reniform spot is black, with a few scattered blue scales, and encircled by 

 brownish yellow. There is much variation in the depth of coloring in these moths. 



