Verrill's Underwing
Common NameVerrill's Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala verrilliana
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white, orange
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and areas with host oak trees
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, from Maryland south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsOak (Quercus species)
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host trees in late summer, overwinter, and hatch in spring. Larvae feed on oak leaves, pupate in leaf litter, and emerge as adults in mid-summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled grey forewings and the specific pattern of two black bands on its bright orange hindwings, which are visible only when the moth is disturbed or in flight.
Description
This moth features mottled, cryptic grey, black, and white forewings that camouflage it against tree bark. When disturbed, it reveals bright orange hindwings with two prominent black bands.
