Judith's Underwing
Common NameJudith's Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala judith
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riverine forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantshickory, walnut
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter in bark crevices, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on host tree leaves, pupate in leaf litter or soil, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the specific pattern of the grey-brown forewings, particularly the shape of the reniform spot and subterminal lines. The hidden hindwings are black with a distinct white median band and a white fringe.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned grey and brown forewings, featuring intricate wavy lines and dark markings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
