noctuid

[ nok-choo-id, nok-too-id ]

adjective

1. belonging or relating to Noctuidae, a family of moths whose larvae include the armyworms and cutworms:

   The caterpillars on these larch trees have a distinctive noctuid appearance.

noun

1. Also called noctuid moth, any of numerous, often dull-colored moths of the family Noctuidae, the larvae of which include the armyworms and cutworms, and the adults of which have a distinctively structured metathorax.

noctuid

/ ˈnɒktjʊɪd /

noun

1. any nocturnal moth of the family Noctuidae: includes the underwings and antler moth See also cutworm army worm

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Noctuidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of noctuid¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from New Latin Noctuidae, from Noctu(a), a genus of European moths ( Latin noctua “little owl,” probably noun use of feminine of noctuus (unrecorded), from noct-, stem of nox “night” + -uus, adjective suffix) + -idae -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of noctuid¹

C19: via New Latin from Latin noctua night owl, from nox night

Example Sentences

At night, abundant small insects included midges and other flies, while medium-sized ones includes lacewings and large ones included noctuid moths and hawkmoths.

From Reuters

Through binoculars it resolves into a noctuid moth, wings flapping as it climbs vertically toward the tower.

From New York Times

The evening primrose, with outstretched filaments, hangs a golden necklace about the welcome murmuring noctuid, while the various orchids excel in the ingenuity of their salutations.

From Project Gutenberg