Oldwife Underwing
Common NameOldwife Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala palaeogama
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsgray, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsHickory (Carya spp.), Walnut (Juglans spp.)
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of hickory and walnut trees. They pupate in a cocoon, and adults emerge to fly during the late summer and fall, typically having one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the mottled gray and brown forewings and the bright orange hindwings with two distinct black bands. The inner black band on the hindwing is often somewhat irregular, and the outer black band is broad.
Description
This moth features cryptically patterned gray and brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its hindwings are a striking orange with two prominent black bands, one subterminal and one terminal.
