Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba

This moth holds the honor of being the type species for the entire family Noctuidae—basically the reference specimen that all other noctuids are compared against scientifically. Across Europe and northern Asia, it's one of the most abundant and familiar moths you'll encounter, yet in some years it becomes wildly migratory, with massive populations suddenly appearing in places where it rarely shows up. Those bright yellow underwings flash as a surprise defense when disturbed. Its abundance and occasional population explosions make it a perfect ambassador for understanding nocturnal insect ecology.