Nolidae

Nolidae is a family of moths in the order Lepidoptera. It is part of the superfamily Noctuoidea and contains several hundred described species across multiple genera. In older classifications Nolidae was treated as a subfamily within Noctuidae, but contemporary systems recognize Nolidae as a distinct family.

Adults are typically small to medium in size and exhibit muted coloration, such as browns, grays, and greens, which provide camouflage against bark and leaves. Many species have a slender body and wings with subtle linear markings; some possess tufts of scales or crested heads that give the group its characteristic appearance. The wings are often held flat or tented when at rest.

Larvae are herbivorous and display a range of feeding habits. They feed on a variety of host plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species. Some species are leaf rollers or leaf tiers; others bore into stems or seeds. Pupation occurs in leaf litter or the soil, sometimes inside a silk cocoon. The life cycle is generally holometabolous, with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Distribution and significance: Nolidae species are found worldwide, with higher species richness in tropical regions. While most species have a limited economic impact, a few can be pests on ornamentals or crops. The group is of interest to scientists for studies on taxonomy and phylogeny within Noctuoidea, aided by molecular data that clarify relationships among genera.