Clinton's Underwing
Common NameClinton's Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala clintonii
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, orchards, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec south to Florida, and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantshawthorn, apple, plum
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are camouflaged against tree bark, feeding on the leaves of hawthorn, apple, and plum. They undergo pupation in a cocoon, typically in leaf litter, before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the specific mottled grey-brown pattern of the forewings and the bright orange hindwings with two distinct black bands, where the inner black band is often narrower and somewhat irregular.
Description
This medium-sized moth features mottled grey and brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage, contrasting sharply with its vibrant orange hindwings marked by two prominent black bands.
