Agrotis

Agrotis is a genus of moths of the family Noctuidae. The genus was erected by Ferdinand Ochsenheimer in 1816. A number of the species of this genus are extinct.

Agrotis
Heart and dart, Agrotis exclamationis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subtribe: Agrotina
Genus: Agrotis
Ochsenheimer, 1816
Synonyms
Agrotis clavis resting on a leaf
Agrotis infusa, Australian moth known as bogong
Agrotis puta

Description

The proboscis is well developed. Palpi obliquely porrect (extending forward), where the second joint evenly scaled and third joint prominent. Thorax and abdomen without tufts. Abdomen somewhat flattened. Tibia very strongly spined. Forewings with non-crenulate outer margin. Hindwings with veins 3 and 4 from cell.[1]

Ecology

Many of the species are of great importance as cutworms, major agricultural pests whose larvae hide by day and emerge at night to feed. The name cutworm refers to the habit of the larvae, of cutting down and partly eating garden and crop plants, especially seedlings.[2] Not all cutworms are in the genus Agrotis, though it may well be the genus that includes the largest number of cutworm species, and the most agriculturally important cutworm species.

The bogong moth, itself a cutworm, also has been of importance as a seasonal food for humans, valued by indigenous Australians.

Species

Until recently placed here

References
  1. Hampson, G. F. (1894). The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma: Moths Volume II. Taylor and Francis – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  2. Smit, Bernard, "Insects in South Africa: How to Control Them", Pub: Oxford University Press, Cape Town, 1964.
  3. Fauna Hawaiiensis
  4. Zipcodezoo Agrotis melanoneura Archived March 11, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  • Pekarsky, O. (2014). "Contribution to the knowledge of Noctuidae fauna of Bering island." Fibigeriana supplement: 2. 177–200 pp. color plates 299–304 pp.
  • Varga, Z. (1979). "Neue Noctuiden aus der Sammlung Vartian (Wien), II. (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Zeitschrift der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Entomologen 31: 1-12.
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