Genus Micronoctua Fibiger, 1997

Micronoctua Fibiger, 1997, Nota Lepidopterologica 20: 24. Type-species: Micronoctua karsholti Fibiger, 1997.

The genus Micronoctua, which is also the type genus for the family Micronoctuidae Fibiger, 2005, was erected as monotypic with the species, Micronoctua karsholti Fibiger, 1997, originally placed in the polyphyletic subfamily Acontiinae (sensu auctorum; the ‘traditional’ place for many small genera). The shape of the structures especially the ampulla and the bifid hindwing venation (misinterpreted by Fibiger, 1997) are two of the many unique character states that define the family. These characters are listed by Fibiger (1997, 2007) and Fibiger & Lafontaine (2005) and are to some extent also repeated below. The species Miconoctua karsholti does not occur in East Asia, but is illustrated here and briefly diagnosed for comparison with the Far Eastern species.

The first instars are unknown except for the unusually large, but normal noctuoid eggs of several species, 1st larval instar of several species, and 1st and 2nd instars of one species. In captivity only some larvae were successfully fed on mushrooms. During preparation and maceration of the female abdomen a maximum of only 20 very large eggs has been observed. The moths are attracted to both superactinic tubes and HG light-bulbs. Adults have multiple generations.