Graceful Underwing
Common NameGraceful Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala gracilis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black
HabitatDry woodlands, pine barrens, oak-pine forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma
Host PlantsMyrica, Comptonia
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on host plants, pupating in a cocoon before adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsLook for its relatively small size among underwings, the specific grey and brown patterns on the forewings, and the bright orange hindwings with a single, broad black band that typically does not reach the inner margin.
Description
This moth features cryptic, mottled grey and brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage, contrasting sharply with its bright orange hindwings marked by a broad black subterminal band.
