Similar Underwing
Common NameSimilar Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala ultronia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantswild cherry, plum, hawthorn, apple
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThis species overwinters as an egg. Larvae emerge in spring to feed on host plant leaves, then pupate in leaf litter, with adults emerging in summer.
Identification TipsLook for its cryptic grey-brown forewings and the vibrant orange hindwings with a distinct, slightly irregular black median band and a narrower black subterminal band, often with a small 'tail' or notch near the anal angle.
Description
The Similar Underwing moth features mottled grey and brown forewings for camouflage, sharply contrasting with bright orange hindwings that display a broad black median band and a narrower black subterminal band.
