Penitent Underwing
Common NamePenitent Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala piatrix
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas, parks, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantspecan, walnut, hickory, oak, willow
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cryptic, resembling twigs, and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil, with adults emerging in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, mottled grey-brown forewings, and the bright orange hindwings with a broad black median band and a narrower black terminal band, often revealed when disturbed.
Description
A large moth with mottled grey-brown forewings that provide excellent camouflage, and striking orange hindwings with two prominent black bands, visible only when the moth is in flight or disturbed.
