Wonderful Underwing
Common NameWonderful Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala miranda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsgray, brown, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forest edges, orchards
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas.
Host PlantsCrataegus (hawthorn), Malus (apple)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on host plant leaves, pupating in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil. Adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsIdentify by the intricate, bark-like pattern of the forewings and the bright orange hindwings with two distinct black bands, one broad and one narrower, often partially obscured by the forewings at rest.
Description
This moth features mottled gray and brown forewings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. When disturbed, it reveals striking orange hindwings with two prominent black bands.
