Nymphaea Underwing
Common NameNymphaea Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala nymphaea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, orange
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East
Host PlantsQuercus, Populus
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, larvae hatch in spring to feed on host tree leaves, pupation occurs in early summer, and adults emerge a few weeks later.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey-brown forewings and the bright orange hindwings with a prominent black subterminal band and a black streak near the body, visible when the moth is disturbed.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned grey and brown forewings that resemble tree bark, and vibrant orange hindwings featuring a broad black subterminal band and a black basal streak.
