Catocala robinsonii

Grote, 1872

Robinson's Underwing

Robinson's Underwing (Catocala robinsonii) is a medium-sized underwing in the Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. The is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the Catocala. It occurs primarily in eastern and central North America, with larvae specializing on hardwood trees including hickory, walnut, and oak.

Catocala robinsonii by (c) David Dodd, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Dodd. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala robinsonii 9646444 by David Dodd. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

- 8780 – Catocala robinsonii – Robinson's Underwing Moth (43831861035) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala robinsonii: /ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ˌrɒbɪnˈsəni/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by specific forewing pattern elements and hindwing coloration details. The combination of geographic range and larval plant association (Carya, Juglans, Quercus) supports identification. Examination of genitalia may be required for definitive separation from similar sympatric species.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 70–80 mm. Forewings are gray-brown with intricate dark patterning, serving as bark-like camouflage when at rest. Hindwings are concealed at rest but display bold coloration when exposed—typically featuring bands of orange, red, or yellow with dark markings. The body is robust and densely scaled.

Habitat

Deciduous and mixed hardwood forests; areas where larval trees (hickory, walnut, oak) are present. are sometimes attracted to light sources at night, though underwing moths typically remain on the periphery of lighted areas rather than landing directly on sheets.

Distribution

Eastern and central North America: southern Ontario and New Hampshire south to Florida, west to Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas, northward through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan (rare in Michigan).

Seasonality

are active from July to October, with timing varying by location. One per year is likely.

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya ovata (shagbark hickory), Juglans (walnut), and Quercus alba (white oak). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Carya ovata - larval food plantshagbark hickory
Juglans - larval food plantwalnut
Quercus alba - larval food plantwhite oak

Life Cycle

One per year. Larvae feed on tree foliage. occurs in soil or leaf litter. emerge in mid-summer to autumn.

Behavior

are . When disturbed, they flash their brightly colored hindwings to startle before taking —a characteristic defensive of the Catocala. They typically do not come directly to light traps, instead remaining at the periphery of illuminated areas or being flushed from daytime resting sites on tree trunks.

Catocala concumbensSympatric underwing with similar size and ; distinguished by forewing pattern and hindwing coloration details
Catocala epioneAnother eastern North American underwing; overlapping range but differing in forewing markings and hindwing band pattern