Cutworms and dart moths

Noctuinae is by far the largest subfamily of noctuids (family Noctuidae). There are about 1,500 species in 18 or 19 tribes in North America north of Mexico. There are at least 224 species in 16 or 17 tribes in Minnesota.

Adults of many species are called “dart moths,” otherwise more generally as “cutworm or dart moths.” Most are active at night. Larvae are known as cutworms and are also active at night. They feed on the roots and shoots of a variety of plants. They often cut the stem off just above the ground. This is the feature that gives the subfamily one of its common names. Many are considered agricultural pests.

The eyes are smooth, not covered with hairs. There are no eyelashes. On the hindwing the Cu vein appears to have just three branches, M3, CuA1, and CuA2. The fourth vein, the M2, is absent. This character is known as trifine venation. On the fourth segment (tibia) of the middle leg there are always spine-like hairs (setae). On the front and hind legs there are usually also spine-like setae on the tibia. On all legs, these setae are evenly spaced within rows.