Owlet moths or Noctuidae are the largest family in the order Lepidoptera. More than 35 000 species are already known but there are colleagues that believe that there are more than 100 000 of them.
Some owlet moth caterpillars live in the soil and are agricultural or horticultural pests. Quite a few family members are also known for their ability to feed on poisonous plants without harm. Some of those are e.g. nightshades which contain chemicals that would kill most other animals that try feeding on them.
The new species was named after the authors mother, Margareta Crabo. The type specimen was collected in Arizona three days prior to her 80th birthday.
For the experts: A new species of Ogdoconta Butler (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Condicinae, Condicini) is described from the Patagonia Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona, USA. Ogdoconta margareta sp. n., is related closely to Ogdoconta tacna (Barnes) from Texas. Modifications are proposed to a recently published key to the Ogdoconta species north of Mexico to allow identification of the new species.