Little Lined Underwing
Common NameLittle Lined Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala olivia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Ontario, Quebec south to Florida, west to Texas)
Host PlantsQuercus alba, Quercus stellata
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in bark crevices, hatching into cryptic caterpillars that feed on oak leaves. Pupation occurs in leaf litter or soil, with adults emerging in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled grey forewing pattern combined with the bright orange hindwings featuring a prominent, somewhat irregular black median band and a black border.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage. Its hindwings are a striking bright orange with a broad, irregular black median band and a black terminal band.
