Tearful Underwing
Common NameTearful Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala lacrymosa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Ontario to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantshickory, walnut
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on host tree leaves, then pupate in leaf litter or bark crevices before adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown forewings and the entirely black hindwings with a prominent white fringe, distinguishing it from other underwing moths that often have colored bands on their hindwings.
Description
A large moth with cryptically patterned grey-brown forewings that mimic tree bark, and solid black hindwings distinctly bordered by a clean white fringe.
