Woody Underwing
Common NameWoody Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala parta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, orange, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and the Great Plains
Host PlantsPopulus spp. (poplar, aspen), Salix spp. (willow)
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter and hatch in spring. Larvae feed on the leaves of host trees, pupating in leaf litter. Adults emerge in mid-summer and are active until fall.
Identification TipsLook for the cryptic grey-brown forewings with wavy lines, which contrast sharply with the vibrant orange hindwings featuring two broad black bands and a black border when the moth is disturbed or in flight.
Description
A large moth characterized by its mottled grey-brown forewings, which provide excellent camouflage, and its striking bright orange hindwings adorned with two prominent black bands.
