Noctuidae - Dagger Moths, Noctuid Moths

There are around 25,000 identified species of small to large moths in this family. Most of the moths in this family are dull in color, but some species have brightly colored hindwings.

They have threadlike antennae and are found in all parts of the world. Most species pupate in the soil. Most of the moths in this family are nocturnal and are attracted to light. Adults feed on the nectar of flowers. Most of the caterpillars in this family have very little hair or are smooth.

Cutworms are in this family. The caterpillars of cutworms live in the soil and can damage plants. They pull plants from the surface down into their burrows!

Armyworms and cabbage loopers are also in this family and can cause damage to crops. Cabbage loopers are also known as cabbage worms. They are called loopers because they hunch their bodies and move like inch worms. They are pale green with white stripes and feed on crops like cabbage, kale, turnips, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Armyworms are also a threat to crops. They get their name because the attack crops like an invading army! They feed on grass and grain crops and will eat everything in their path and then move on to the next food source.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

New Hampshire Species		New Hampshire Species (cont.)
Splendid Dagger Moth - Acronicta superans Meropleon diversiclor Northern Burdock Borer Moth - Papaipema arctivorens Brown-hooded Owlet - Cucullia convexipennis Comstock's Sallow - Feralia comstocki Bicolored Sallow - Sunira bicolorago Xanthia tatago		Common Looper Moth - Autographa precationis Scalloped Sallow - Eucirroedia pampina Iris Borer Moth - Macronoctua onusta Anarta nigrolunata Ipsilion Dart - Agrotis ipsilon European Yellow Underwing - Noctua pronuba Corn Earworm Moth - Helicoverpa zea

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio NH Species

Corn Earworm Moth - Helicoverpa zea
The caterpillar of the corn earworm moth feeds on the outer end ears of corn.
Source: Butterflies and Moths of North America Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

European Yellow Underwing - Noctua pronuba
The native range of the European yellow underwing is Eurasia and Africa. It was accidentally introduced to Nova Scotia in 1979.
Source: Butterflies and Moths of North America Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Iris Borer Moth - Macronoctua onusta
The iris borer larva bores into a host plant.
Source: Butterflies and Moths of North America Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Scalloped Sallow - Eucirroedia pampina
The scalloped swallow moth has rusty orange wings.
Source: Butterflies and Moths of North America Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Splendid Dagger Moth - Acronicta superans
The splendid dagger moth caterpillar is found on apple, birch, cherry, hazelnut, mountain ash, and plum trees.
Source: Butterflies and Moths of North America Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School