Most Erebinae, such as Zale have mottled, drably colored hindwings to better blend in with grass and tree trunks.

[8] The sudden exposure of these bright colors is thought to startle vertebrate predators, giving the moths extra time to escape.

[9] Like other Noctuoidea, erebine moths can detect the calls of echolocating bats or other approaching predators using hearing organs (tympana), which are among the most sensitive in the superfamily.

[10][11] Prior to recent phylogenetic studies on the superfamily Noctuoidea, most Erebinae were classified within the noctuid subfamily Catocalinae, on the basis of a classification proposed by George Hampson at the start of the 20th century.

On the basis of consistent molecular support, Zahiri et al.[1] identified several potential morphological synapomorphies for the subfamily: proboscis with smooth apex and sensilla styloconica dorsally, modified seventh abdominal sternite in the female, divided in to two lobes surrounding the ostium bursae (female copulatory opening).