Briseis Underwing Moth
Common NameBriseis Underwing Moth
Scientific NameCatocala briseis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsgrey, black, orange
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central Canada, northern United States)
Host PlantsPopulus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera, Salix spp.
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on poplar and willow leaves, pupating in a cocoon. The species overwinters in the egg stage, with adults emerging in late summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings and the bright orange hindwings featuring two distinct, wavy black bands. The inner black band on the hindwing is typically wider and more irregular than the outer one.
Description
This moth has cryptically patterned dark grey and brown forewings, which conceal vibrant orange hindwings with two prominent black bands when at rest.
