List of moths of Australia (Noctuidae) facts for kids

This article lists some of the amazing moth species found in Australia that belong to a large family called Noctuidae. These moths are often known as owlet moths because many of them fly at night, just like owls! This list is part of a bigger collection of all the moths found in Australia.

What are Owlet Moths?

Owlet moths (family Noctuidae) are one of the biggest groups of moths in the world. They are super diverse, meaning they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Most of them are active at night, but some fly during the day too.

Where do Owlet Moths Live?

You can find owlet moths all over Australia, from the warm, sunny coasts to the cooler inland areas. They live in many different habitats, like forests, grasslands, and even your backyard!

What do Owlet Moths Eat?

Most adult owlet moths drink nectar from flowers, which helps them get energy. Their babies, called caterpillars, usually munch on leaves, stems, or roots of plants. Some caterpillars can even be pests to crops, but many are an important part of the ecosystem.

Types of Australian Owlet Moths

The Noctuidae family is so big that scientists divide it into smaller groups called subfamilies. Let's explore a few of these fascinating groups found in Australia.

Acontiinae: Small and Colorful Moths

The Acontiinae subfamily includes many smaller moths that are often quite colorful. They can have bright patterns that help them blend in with flowers or stand out to warn predators. For example, the Acontia crocata is one of the many species in this group.

Amphipyrinae: Diverse Night Flyers

This is another large group of owlet moths. Many Amphipyrinae species are medium-sized and have duller colors like browns and greys, which helps them hide during the day. However, some, like the Cosmodes elegans, can be quite striking with their beautiful patterns. The caterpillars of some species in this group, like Spodoptera exempta (the African armyworm), can sometimes cause damage to crops.

Agaristinae: Day-Flying Beauties

Unlike most owlet moths, many species in the Agaristinae subfamily are active during the day! They often have bright, metallic colors and patterns, making them look a bit like butterflies. A famous example is the Phalaenoides glycinae, also known as the grapevine moth, which has black wings with white spots and a bright orange body.

Catocalinae: Large and Striking Moths

The Catocalinae subfamily contains some of the largest and most impressive owlet moths. Many of them have dull front wings that camouflage them against tree bark, but when they open their wings, they reveal brightly colored hindwings, often in shades of red, orange, or blue. The Eudocima fullonia, or fruit-piercing moth, is a well-known species in this group.

Chloephorinae: Green and Leafy Moths

Moths in the Chloephorinae subfamily often have green or greenish-brown colors, helping them blend in perfectly with leaves. This camouflage is a great way to hide from birds and other predators. The Earias vittella, sometimes called the cotton bollworm, is an example from this group.

Hadeninae: Garden Visitors

Many Hadeninae species are common in gardens and agricultural areas. They are often medium-sized and have patterns that help them blend in with plants. The Mythimna convecta is a widespread species in Australia.

Heliothinae: Sun-Loving Moths

The Heliothinae subfamily includes moths that are often active during the day, hence the "helio" (sun) in their name. They are usually medium-sized and can be important pollinators. The Helicoverpa armigera, known as the cotton bollworm or corn earworm, is a very common and adaptable species found across Australia.

Hypeninae: Snout Moths

Moths in the Hypeninae subfamily are often called "snout moths" because they have long, forward-pointing palps (mouthparts) that look like a snout. They are usually smaller moths with muted colors. An example is Hypena labatalis.

Noctuinae: Common Owlet Moths

This subfamily includes many of the typical "owlet moths" that you might see flying around lights at night. They are often stout-bodied with dull, camouflaged wings. The Agrotis ipsilon, or black cutworm, is a well-known species in this group, sometimes a pest in gardens.

Nolinae: Tiny Tussock Moths

Nolinae moths are generally small and often have a furry appearance. They are sometimes called "tussock moths" due to the tufts of hair on their caterpillars. The Nola fasciata is one of the many tiny species in this group.

Plusiinae: Looper Moths

The Plusiinae subfamily includes moths often called "looper moths" because their caterpillars move by arching their bodies into a loop. Many of these moths have metallic or shiny spots on their wings. The Chrysodeixis eriosoma is a common looper moth in Australia.

Rivulinae: Small and Delicate Moths

These are generally small and delicate moths. Their patterns are often simple, helping them blend into their surroundings. Rivula obtusalis is an example from this group.

Sarrothripinae: Bark-Like Moths

Moths in the Sarrothripinae subfamily often have patterns that make them look like bark or lichen, providing excellent camouflage. They are usually small to medium-sized. The Selepa celtis is a species found here.

Stictopterinae: Unique Wing Patterns

This subfamily features moths with distinct wing patterns, often with sharp lines or contrasting shades. They are typically medium-sized. Stictoptera cucullioides is an example.

Stirriinae: Less Common Moths

The Stirriinae subfamily is a smaller group of owlet moths. They are generally less common or less studied compared to other subfamilies. Austrazenia pura is one of the species in this group.

Aganainae: Bright and Bold Moths

The Aganainae subfamily includes moths that are often brightly colored and fly during the day. They are sometimes mistaken for butterflies due to their vibrant appearance. The Asota heliconia is a beautiful example with its striking patterns.