Scarlet Underwing
Common NameScarlet Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala coccinata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)58
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, red, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, oak savannas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on oak leaves, then pupate in leaf litter, with adults emerging in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the cryptic grey-brown forewings and the bright scarlet hindwings with a prominent black median band and a black terminal band, often with a white fringe.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its mottled grey and brown forewings, which provide excellent camouflage, and striking scarlet hindwings marked with a broad black median band and a thinner black terminal band.
