Bay Underwing
Common NameBay Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala badia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark grey, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with host plants like bayberry and sweet gale
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma
Host PlantsMyrica gale, Myrica pensylvanica
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter and hatch in spring. Larvae feed on host plants, pupate in leaf litter, and adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, mottled forewings and the striking orange hindwings with two distinct black bands. The specific pattern of the hindwings helps differentiate it from other underwing moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled dark grey and black forewings providing excellent camouflage. Its hindwings, typically hidden at rest, are a vibrant orange with two prominent black bands and a black border.
