"Ocelli usually present. Tongue usually well developed. Labial palpi
moderate, more or less ascending, second joint densely scaled, usually
rough, terminal rather short, obtuse. Thorax usually densely hairy
beneath. Posterior tibiæ with all spurs present. Fore-wings with veins 7
and 8 out of 9, 10 connected with 9. Hind-wings with veins 3 and 4
connate or short-stalked, 5 obsolete or imperfect, parallel to 4, 6 and 7
connate or short-stalked or seldom closely approximated only, 8 shortly
anastomosing with cell near base, thence evenly diverging." (Plate II.,
figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.)
"A dominant family in temperate regions, especially in the northern
hemisphere, the species being very numerous and often occurring in great
plenty; within the tropics, however, their place is largely taken by the
_Plusiadæ_. The structure is in most particulars remarkably uniform, the
neuration and palpi being practically identical throughout the family. The
markings are usually very similar, and the colouring dull and adapted to
conceal insects which are accustomed to hide amongst dead leaves or refuse;
hence this family is not one of the easiest or most attractive to study.
The species are the most truly nocturnal of all the Lepidoptera; few are
readily obtainable by day, but at night they are found in abundance at
flowers or sugar. Imago with fore-wings usually elongate, body relatively
stout, and densely scaled. It may be noted as an established conclusion
that antennal pectinations, if not extending to the apex of the antennæ,
are in this family seldom sufficient to mark generic distinction.
"Ovum spherical, more or less distinctly ribbed, and reticulated. Larva
usually with few hairs, often nocturnal, sometimes subterranean; often very
polyphagous. Pupa usually subterranean."--(Meyrick.)