Noctuinae
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Noctuinae is a subfamily of Noctuidae moths. This is one of the largest subfamilies in Noctuidae, with thousands of described species worldwide. They are usually medium-sized moths, though they vary widely. The forewings are often drab (brown, gray, or mottled), providing camouflage against bark, soil, or leaves, ad the hindwings tend to be paler, sometimes whitish or with darker margins. The larvae are typically robust, smooth-bodied caterpillars, often with a somewhat shiny appearance, that mostly feed at night and hide in soil or litter during the day. They are generalist feeders on grasses, cereals, vegetables, and other crops. They are known for cutting down seedlings at the base (hence "cutworms"). Some species occur in outbreaks as armyworms (Mythimna separata), moving en masse and causing major agricultural damage.