Noctua comes

Distinguished from similar Noctua species by the combination of brown forewings and yellow hindwings with a distinct black terminal band. The forewing pattern is relatively plain compared to some congeners. Similar to the Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba), but generally smaller with differences in forewing markings. Accurate identification may require examination of genitalia or molecular methods.

Found in most habitats throughout Britain and Ireland, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas. The specimen used for genome sequencing was collected from Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, UK. In North America, occurs in agricultural and disturbed habitats where it has been introduced.

Native to Britain and Ireland. Introduced to North America where established populations occur. GBIF records indicate presence in Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and Africa, though native status in these regions requires verification.

Single generation on the wing from June to October. Larvae present from August through May, feeding nocturnally during this period.

Larvae feed on a wide range of small trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants including common nettle (Urtica dioica), broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), sallow (Salix spp.), bramble (Rubus fruticosus), broom (Cytisus scoparius), and heather (Calluna vulgaris). In North America, larvae also feed on tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) and grape (Vitis spp.). Adult feeding habits not documented.

• Urtica dioica - larval food plant
• Rumex obtusifolius - larval food plant
• Digitalis purpurea - larval food plant
• Crataegus monogyna - larval food plant
• Prunus spinosa - larval food plant
• Salix spp. - larval food plant
• Rubus fruticosus - larval food plant
• Cytisus scoparius - larval food plant
• Calluna vulgaris - larval food plant
• Nicotiana spp. - larval food plantNorth America only
• Vitis spp. - larval food plantNorth America only

Single generation per year. Adults fly June to October. Eggs laid during flight period; larvae feed from August through May. Pupation occurs in soil. WZ sex chromosome system with female heterogamety.

Larvae exhibit cutworm behavior, feeding close to the ground and damaging plant stems at the base. Adults detect ultrasonic waves and perform evasive maneuvers to avoid bat predation. Can distinguish between the frequency of sound produced by metal or plastic rings on bats versus actual bat calls.

Important prey item for bats, including the Greater Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis myotis) and Lesser Mouse-eared Bat (Myotis blythii). As a generalist herbivore in larval stage, contributes to nutrient cycling and plant community dynamics.

In North America, introduced populations can be agricultural pests, particularly affecting tobacco and grape crops. Genome sequencing provides resources for research on noctuid moth biology, pest management, and evolutionary studies.

• Noctua pronubaSimilar yellow hindwing coloration; distinguished by larger size and different forewing pattern
• Noctua jantheClosely related species with overlapping distribution; requires careful examination of wing patterns and genitalia for separation

• cutworm
• noctuid
• genome sequenced
• bat prey
• invasive pest
• North America introduction
• yellow underwing moth
• single generation

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Eye Doctor's Tool Offers New Look at Marvel of Moth Eyes
• What comes in must go out - Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, and the multicolred Asian lady beetles, Harmonia axyridis — Bug of the Week
• Bug Eric: City Nature Challenge 2024 Recap
• Call Me Invasive: New Evidence Confirms the Status of the Giant Asian Mantis in Europe | Blog
• How Beekeepers Can Foster Propolis Production for Better Hive Health
• Bug Eric: Scientific Illustration
• The genome sequence of the Lesser Yellow Underwing, Noctua comes Hübner, 1813.