The Erebidae is composed of seemingly diverse groups. Two, the Lymantriinae and Arctiinae were formerly regarded as distinct families. The remainder were sub-families in the Noctuidae. The classification is broadly defined by the wing characteristics of the adults, with support from phylogenetic studies. The Erebidae are currently divided into 18 subfamilies; ten of these occur in the British Isles.

• Scoliopteryginae (Heralds) - 1 species
• Rivulinae (Straw Dot) - 1 species
• Hypeninae (Snouts) - 6 species
• Lymantriinae (Tussocks) - 11 species
• Arctiinae (Tigers, ermines and footman moths) - 32 species
• Herminiinae (Fan-foots) - 9 species
• Hypenodinae - 3 species
• Toxocampinae (Blacknecks) - 3 species
• Boletobiinae (Marbleds and allies) - 9 species
• Erebinae (Underwings and allies) - 14 species

 
Species seen but not photographed:

• Garden Tiger: Oxfordshire (July 2018)