Yellow Underwing
Common NameYellow Underwing
Scientific NameCatocala fulminea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsgrey, black, yellow
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Caucasus, Siberia, Japan)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), sloe (Prunus spinosa)
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, hatching in spring. Larvae feed on the leaves of host trees, pupating in early summer. Adults emerge in mid-summer.
Identification TipsIdentified by its mottled grey and black forewings and the prominent, bright yellow hindwings featuring a single, broad black band. The forewing pattern is key to distinguishing it from other similar Catocala species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned grey and black forewings that provide camouflage against tree bark, and striking bright yellow hindwings with a broad black marginal band.
