Yellow-banded Underwing
Common NameYellow-banded Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala cerogama
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, yellow
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesOverwinters as an egg. Larvae hatch in spring, feed on oak leaves, pupate in leaf litter, and adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic grey-brown forewings and the prominent, broad yellow band on its black hindwings, which is visible when the moth flashes its underwings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned grey-brown forewings resembling tree bark, and striking black hindwings featuring a broad, bright yellow median band and a yellow fringe.
