Hodges#11003.2
Noctua comes
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Noctuidae
- Subfamily: Noctuinae
- Tribe: Noctuini
- Subtribe: Noctuina
- Genus: Noctua
- Species: comes
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Noctua comes: //ˈnɔk.tu.a ˈkɔ.mɛs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Noctua comes, known as the Lesser Yellow Underwing, is a moth belonging to the family Noctuidae. This species is a smaller variant of the large yellow underwing and was first recognized in Canada in 1982 after being introduced from Europe. It showcases a variety of coloration in its forewings and has distinct hindwing markings.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan 38–48 mm; forewings variable in pattern and colour (pale clay to reddish clay, light brown to almost black), with dark stigmata outlined in pale yellow. Hindwings are orange-yellow with a broad black sub-terminal band and usually lack the central discal lunule found in similar species.
Identification Tips
Similar to Noctua pronuba but can be identified by the small black arc on the hindwing, which is absent in Noctua pronuba.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including gardens, fields, and forests, typically flying at night and attracted to light.
Distribution
Originally from the Palearctic region including Europe and parts of Asia, introduced to British Columbia in 1982 and has since spread southward in the Pacific Northwest; recently reported from Ontario.
Diet
Larvae feed on foliage of a range of plants including birch, heather, thistle, hawthorn, foxglove, strawberry, plantain, blackthorn, docks, and willow.
Life Cycle
This species overwinters as a larva.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Noctuidae
- moth
- Noctua comes
- invasive species
- British Columbia