Robinson's Underwing
Common NameRobinson's Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala robinsoni
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, dark purple, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on oak leaves, pupating in leaf litter or soil before emerging as adults in late summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, the intricate grey and brown cryptic pattern of its forewings, and the dark purple to black hindwings with a distinct white fringe, which are typically hidden at rest.
Description
A large moth with cryptically patterned grey and brown forewings, featuring wavy lines and dark spots. The hindwings, partially visible, are dark purple to black with a prominent white fringe.
