Gloomy Underwing
Common NameGloomy Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala tristis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsHickory, Walnut
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of hickory and walnut trees. Adults are nocturnal and typically rest camouflaged during the day, emerging at night to feed and mate.
Identification TipsKey features include the cryptically patterned grey-brown forewings and the dark hindwings with a prominent white patch near the outer margin, which distinguishes it from other *Catocala* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its hindwings are dark brown to black with a distinctive white patch near the tornus, typically only visible during flight.
