Charming Underwing
Common NameCharming Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala blandula
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, black, orange, brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsCrataegus, Prunus
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of hawthorn and cherry trees. They pupate in a cocoon, and adults are nocturnal, typically overwintering as eggs.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey forewings with a prominent black dash near the costa, and the bright orange hindwings with a broad median black band and a narrower subterminal black band.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and black forewings that provide excellent camouflage, and striking orange hindwings with two prominent black bands, visible when the moth is in flight or disturbed.
