Acronictinae

walwyn Tue, 04/15/2025 - 20:42
Share this
Knot Grass Moth
Knot Grass (Acronicta rumicis)

 

Acronictinae is a large subfamily of Nocuidae moths. Adult moths in this subfamily are usually medium-sized, with forewings that tend to be mottled gray, brown, or black, often with cryptic patterns that resemble bark or lichens. This camouflage helps them rest inconspicuously on tree trunks during the day. The hindwings are typically paler, sometimes whitish or light gray, and often less patterned than the forewings. The caterpillars of Acronictinae typically feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, both deciduous and coniferous, and are often quite strikingly coloured and hairy, contrasting with the more cryptic adults, with many species have tufts of hairs or distinctive markings, sometimes in bold colours like orange, yellow, or black, which may serve as warning signals to predators.

 

Picture gallery of genres

 

 

tags
Species: