Ilia Underwing
Common NameIlia Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala ilia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, orange
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in bark crevices in late summer, overwinter, and hatch in spring. Larvae feed on oak leaves, pupate in leaf litter, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings and bright orange hindwings with two distinct black bands, the inner band often forming a 'W' shape near the body. The orange color can vary in intensity.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned grey and brown forewings that mimic tree bark, and vibrant orange hindwings marked with two broad black bands.
