About Tyta luctuosa (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Technical description and variation of Tyta luctuosa: The forewings are purplish fuscous, becoming paler and more brownish towards the termen, and sometimes this paler brownish colour also occurs at the extreme base. The lines on the forewings are black and fine. The inner line is oblique and thrice waved. The outer line is excurved above the middle and incurved below. The subterminal line is pale, and it is preceded by a darker shade. The fringe is white, with a dark patch below the middle. There is an abbreviated white band running from the costa to vein 3, beyond the cell; this band is sometimes tinged with tannish peach. The hindwing has a white median band that varies in width. In the aberration angustifascia ab. nov., this median band is greatly restricted, and sometimes it is interrupted. Specimens where the white costal blotch of the forewing is tinged with flesh colour form the aberration ochracea Tutt. The larvae are grey, sometimes reddish grey, and darker along the sides. The hues are pale with dark edges, and are somewhat interrupted. The spiracular line is dark brown, has a pale edge, and runs beneath the subspiracular line, which is reddish brown. The face is ochreous grey, with rows of small dark dots. The first two pairs of prolegs are shorter than is typical for the species.
