American Copper Underwing
Common NameAmerican Copper Underwing
Scientific NameAmphipyra pyramidoides
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAmphipyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, willow, apple, cherry, hawthorn, grape
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes, feeding on a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and gray forewings with prominent kidney-shaped (reniform) and round (orbicular) spots. The most distinctive feature, though not visible in this image, is the bright coppery-orange hindwings, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed.
Description
This moth has mottled brown and gray forewings with intricate darker markings, including distinct reniform and orbicular spots, providing excellent camouflage.
