Epione Underwing
Common NameEpione Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala epione
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, grey, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantshickory, walnut
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as an egg. Larvae feed on hickory and walnut leaves, pupating in leaf litter. Adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and grey forewings and the solid dark brown to black hindwings with a distinctive pure white fringe, which is unique among many underwing species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings in shades of brown, grey, and black, featuring wavy lines. The hindwings are a striking solid dark brown to black with a clean, contrasting white fringe.
