Obscure Underwing
Common NameObscure Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala obscura
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)72.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, dark brown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantshickory, walnut
Flight PeriodLate July to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on host tree leaves, pupating in early summer. Adults emerge in late summer and fall.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniformly dark hindwings with a clean white fringe, lacking the red or orange bands found in many other underwings. The cryptic grey forewing pattern is also characteristic.
Description
A large moth with mottled grey forewings that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. The hindwings, typically hidden at rest, are dark brown to black with a distinct white fringe.
