Girlfriend Underwing
Common NameGirlfriend Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala amatrix
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riverine habitats
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsPopulus (poplar, aspen, cottonwood), Salix (willow)
Flight PeriodLate July to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on poplar and willow leaves, then pupate. Adults emerge in late summer and are nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings and the bright orange hindwings featuring a broad black subterminal band and a narrower black basal band.
Description
A large moth with cryptically patterned grey-brown forewings resembling tree bark, and striking bright orange hindwings marked with two prominent black bands.
