noctuid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun usually dull-colored medium-sized nocturnal moth; the usually smooth-bodied larvae are destructive agricultural pests
    noctuid moth; owlet moth.

WordNet

Noc"tu*id noun
Etymology
From L. nox, noctis, night.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous moths of the family Noctuidæ, or Noctuælitæ, as the cutworm moths, and armyworm moths; -- so called because they fly at night. -- a. Of or pertaining to the noctuids, or family Noctuidæ.

Webster 1913