Abbreviated Underwing
Common NameAbbreviated Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala abbreviatella
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, orchards, areas with hawthorn
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantshawthorn, apple
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cryptic, feeding on the leaves of hawthorn and apple trees. They pupate in leaf litter or soil, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsKey features include its relatively small size for an underwing, the mottled grey-brown forewings with specific black markings, and the bright orange hindwings with a distinctive broad, wavy black median band and a narrower black terminal band.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage against bark, and vibrant orange hindwings marked with a broad, wavy black median band and a narrower black terminal band.
