Once-married Underwing
Common NameOnce-married Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala unijuga
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsgrey, black, orange, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central United States, southern Canada)
Host PlantsPoplar, Aspen, Willow, Cottonwood
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of host trees, pupating in leaf litter or soil. Adults are nocturnal, emerging in late summer to feed on tree sap, nectar, or rotting fruit.
Identification TipsIdentified by its cryptically patterned forewings and the bright orange hindwings featuring a single, broad black band and a black outer margin. The orange band is typically wider than the black band.
Description
A large moth with mottled grey, black, and white forewings that provide camouflage, concealing vibrant orange hindwings with a broad black band and margin when at rest.
