Minsmere Crimson Underwing
Common NameMinsmere Crimson Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala promissa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, red, white
HabitatOak woodlands, mature forests
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, parts of Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Localized in the UK.
Host PlantsOak (Quercus species)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe species overwinters as an egg. Larvae hatch in spring and feed on oak leaves, pupating in a cocoon among leaves or bark. Adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled, bark-like forewings and, most notably, its bright crimson hindwings featuring a prominent black central band and a black border with a white fringe. Often rests with forewings covering the hindwings, revealing the flash of red only when disturbed.
Description
This moth has cryptically patterned forewings in shades of grey, brown, and black, resembling tree bark. Its hindwings are a striking crimson red with a broad black central band and a black margin, fringed with white.
