Oncocnemidinae

Adults can be recognized by diurnal activity in contrast to most Noctuidae. Males possess bipectinate antennae. The subfamily is morphologically defined by deep lateral invaginations creating a transverse channel across abdominal segment A1 dorsal to the tympanum (the "A1 transverse channel") in many genera. Forewings range from pale to dark gray; hindwings are white or off-white with broad black stripes in many species. Female genitalia feature a broad, thick, crenulate anterior segment of the ductus bursae.

Arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern North America including Chihuahuan desert and Madrean Archipelago; extends to northern Europe and Scandinavia based on catalog records. Specific habitat associations for larvae remain undocumented.

Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico; northern Europe including Norway and Sweden. The North American genus Supralathosea and related genera (Eulathosea, Infralathosea) are restricted to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. European records include multiple Sympistis species and Calophasia lunula.

Adults fly year-round in southwestern North American deserts, including winter months; activity patterns in northern European populations not specified in sources.

Adults are diurnal, flying during daylight hours unlike most Noctuidae. Males have bipectinate antennae. Adults are active throughout the year in desert habitats, including winter. Despite year-round flight activity, species are uncommon in collections.

• Noctuidae (other subfamilies)Most other noctuid subfamilies are nocturnal; Oncocnemidinae distinguished by diurnal flight and A1 transverse channel morphology.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Revision of the North American genus Supralathosea Barnes & Benjamin (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Oncocnemidinae) with description of two genera and three species.