noctua
/ˈnɒktjʊə/Entomology
noun
A noctuid moth, especially one of the genus Noctua (subfamily Noctuinae), which includes the yellow underwings. Now chiefly (in form Noctua): the genus itself.
- Valid publication of the genus name: Linnaeus Systema Naturae (ed. 10, 1758) I. 508..
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist. From classical Latin noctua night owl, use as noun of feminine of an unattested adjective from noct-, nox night + -uus, suffix forming adjectives.