Underwing-moth
Guides
Allotria
false underwing moth
Allotria is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae, containing only the species Allotria elonympha (false underwing moth). The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. Its sole species is found in eastern North America and was described in 1818.
Azeta ceramina
Azeta ceramina is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Hübner in 1806. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of nocturnal moths commonly known as underwings. The species is recorded from the Amazon region of Brazil. Available information is limited, with few documented observations.
Bleptina verticalis
Bleptina verticalis is a species of litter moth in the family Erebidae, described by James T. Troubridge in 2020. It belongs to the subfamily Herminiinae, a group of moths commonly known as underwing or litter moths due to their typical resting posture with wings folded tent-like over the body. The species is part of a genus whose members are generally associated with moist, forested habitats where their larvae feed on decaying plant matter. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Caenurgia togataria
Caenurgia togataria is a moth species in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1862. It is distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. The species has a wingspan of approximately 37 mm. It belongs to the subfamily Erebinae, a diverse group of moths commonly known as underwings and related forms.
Catocala abbreviatella
Abbreviated Underwing
Catocala abbreviatella, the Abbreviated Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Adults are active from July to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is distributed across the central United States, from Indiana south and west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Catocala aholibah
Aholibah Underwing Moth
Catocala aholibah, the Aholibah Underwing Moth, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other Catocala species, it possesses cryptic, speckled gray-black forewings that conceal bright orange hindwings used as a startle display against predators. The species has been documented at light stations in Colorado and is among the larger underwing moths in its genus.
Catocala allusa
Catocala allusa is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It occurs in the Pacific Northwest of North America, ranging from British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northern California, with possible occurrence in western Nevada. Adults are active from July to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is one of approximately 250 known underwing moths in the genus Catocala, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings.
Catocala amatrix
Sweetheart Underwing
Catocala amatrix, commonly known as the Sweetheart Underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 75–95 mm. The forewings are cryptically colored in gray-brown tones that provide camouflage against tree bark when the moth is at rest. When disturbed, the moth reveals strikingly colorful hindwings—typically orange-red with black bands—that serve as a startle defense against predators. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from August to October. Larvae feed on several species of Populus (poplars and cottonwoods) and Salix (willows).
Catocala amestris
Three-staff Underwing
Catocala amestris, the three-staff underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is listed as endangered and receives legal protection in Michigan. The species has a wingspan of 4-4.5 cm and exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. It has been documented as a new record for southern Colorado when attracted to bait stations, indicating potential range expansion or underreporting.
Catocala amica
girlfriend underwing
Catocala amica is a medium-sized underwing moth found across eastern and central North America. Adults are distinguished by bright yellow hindwings with a black marginal band and separate black dot near the anal angle, combined with spineless tibiae. The species is active from June to September and is attracted to ultraviolet light. Larvae feed exclusively on oak species (Quercus). The former subspecies C. a. lineella is now recognized as a distinct species, Catocala lineella.
Catocala amica-lineella
Girlfriend Underwing
Catocala amica-lineella is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The hindwings are typically marked with bold bands of orange, red, or black that are flashed when the moth is disturbed. The species name 'amica-lineella' distinguishes it from the closely related C. amica, with which it was historically confused.
Catocala andromache
Andromache Underwing
Catocala andromache, the Andromache Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The species is found in the southwestern United States, specifically from southern California to Arizona. Like other underwings, it exhibits the genus's namesake trait of concealing its vibrant hindwings beneath dull forewings at rest.
Catocala andromedae
Gloomy Underwing, Andromeda Underwing
Catocala andromedae, known as the Gloomy Underwing or Andromeda Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to August, with likely one generation per year. The species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings—a defensive trait shared with other underwing moths. Larvae feed on a documented range of woody plants including oaks, hickories, blueberries, and Andromeda.
Catocala angusi
Angus' Underwing
Catocala angusi, known as Angus' Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. The species occurs across the eastern and central United States, with adults active from July through October. Larval development is tied to hickory trees, specifically pecan and shagbark hickory.
Catocala antinympha
sweetfern underwing moth, sweetfern underwing
Catocala antinympha, the sweetfern underwing moth, is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a single generation per year and is closely associated with sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina), its sole known larval host plant. Its range spans northeastern North America from Quebec and Ontario to the mid-Atlantic states.
Catocala atocala
Brou's underwing, Nutmeg Underwing, atocala underwing
Catocala atocala is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Brou in 1985. It is endemic to the United States with a primary range in the lower Mississippi River drainage. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on nutmeg hickory. Adults fly during mid-summer and possess the characteristic underwing morphology of the genus Catocala, with cryptic forewings concealing brightly patterned hindwings.
Catocala badia coelebs
The Old Maid Underwing
Catocala badia coelebs is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as The Old Maid Underwing. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecies was described by Grote in 1874 and is known from northeastern North America.
Catocala benjamini
Benjamin's underwing
Catocala benjamini, or Benjamin's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Auburn Edmund Brower in 1937. It was formerly considered a subspecies of Catocala andromache but is now recognized as a distinct species. Adults are active in June with likely one generation per year.
Catocala blandula
Charming Underwing
Catocala blandula, the charming underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1884. The species is distributed across northern North America, from Nova Scotia west to central Alberta and south to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Adults have a wingspan of 42–50 mm and are active from July to September. The larvae feed on Amelanchier, Malus sylvestris, and Crataegus.
Catocala briseis
Briseis Underwing, Ribbed Underwing
Catocala briseis is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, distributed across the North American boreal forest region. Adults are active from July to September and possess the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864.
Catocala californica
Western Underwing Moth
Catocala californica is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. It belongs to the underwing moth genus Catocala, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The species is found in western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south to California. Adults are active during summer months, with larvae feeding on specific host plants.
Catocala californiensis
California Underwing
Catocala californiensis is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, endemic to southern California. Adults fly from June to July, with likely one generation per year. The larvae are specialized feeders on Quercus turbinella (scrub oak).
Catocala carissima
carissima underwing
Catocala carissima, the carissima underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala cara but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species is distributed across the southeastern United States.
Catocala chelidonia
Catocala chelidonia is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1881. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and has three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges. Adults are active during summer months, and larvae feed on oak species.
Catocala clintonii
Clinton's Underwing
Catocala clintonii, commonly known as Clinton's Underwing, is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to a genus renowned for its striking coloration concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin. Like other underwings, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture with forewings folded together, hiding the brightly patterned hindwings until disturbed.
Catocala coccinata
Scarlet Underwing
Catocala coccinata is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. Adults are characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The species occurs across eastern North America, with larvae specializing on oak species. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and C. c. sinuosa from Florida.
Catocala concumbens
Pink Underwing, Sleepy Underwing
Catocala concumbens, commonly known as the pink underwing or sleepy underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a characteristic defensive trait of the genus Catocala. The moth occurs in eastern North America, extending westward across the Prairie Provinces to eastern Alberta. Adults are active in August, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala connubialis
Connubial Underwing
Catocala connubialis, the connubial underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is a medium-sized underwing moth with a wingspan of 37–47 mm. The species is distributed across eastern and central North America, from Ontario and the Maritime provinces south to Florida and west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Adults are active from June to September, with likely one generation per year.
Catocala consors
Consort Underwing
Catocala consors, the consort underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths due to their brightly colored hindwings concealed beneath cryptic forewings. The species occurs in the eastern and central United States, with adults active in spring and early summer. Larvae feed on specific host plants including Amorpha fructicosa and Carya species.
Catocala crataegi
Hawthorn Underwing, Chokeberry Underwing
Catocala crataegi is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to eastern North America. Adults display the characteristic Catocala pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. The species is named for its larval association with hawthorns (Crataegus). It was formerly considered conspecific with Catocala pretiosa, but the latter was reinstated as a valid species in 1982.
Catocala delilah
Delilah Underwing, Delilah Underwing Moth
Catocala delilah is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to the southern and midwestern United States. Adults are active from May to June, with likely one generation per year. The species is distinguished by its grayish-brown forewings with irregular black markings and bright yellowish-orange hindwings with complex black banding patterns. It belongs to a cryptic species complex within the genus Catocala, and was previously considered conspecific with western populations now recognized as separate species.
Catocala desdemona
Desdemona underwing
Catocala desdemona, the Desdemona underwing, is a medium-sized moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1882. This species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Catocala delilah but is now recognized as distinct. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a southwestern North American distribution extending from the United States into Central America.
Catocala dulciola
Sweet Underwing, Quiet Underwing
Catocala dulciola, commonly known as the sweet underwing or quiet underwing, is a North American moth species in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881, this underwing moth exhibits the characteristic cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings typical of its genus. The species has a documented wingspan of 40–45 mm and appears to have a single annual generation with adults active during early summer.
Catocala epione
Epione Underwing
Catocala epione, the Epione Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Dru Drury in 1773. It is one of over 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, recognized for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species occurs in eastern and central North America and has been documented in forested habitats.
Catocala faustina
Faustina Underwing
Catocala faustina is a western North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of approximately 58 mm. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic, bark-patterned forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, with flight records from September to October. The larvae feed exclusively on willow species (Salix).
Catocala faustina cleopatra
Catocala faustina cleopatra is a subspecies of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwings, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecies was described by Strecker in 1874. Underwing moths are notable for their distinctive defensive display behavior and are popular among lepidopterists.
Catocala flebilis
Mourning Underwing, Mournful Underwing
Catocala flebilis, the mourning underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 45–65 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. Larvae feed specifically on Carya glabra and Carya ovata (hickory species).
Catocala frederici
Catocala frederici is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. It belongs to the genus Catocala, a diverse group of moths known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and is active during the summer months.
Catocala gracilis
Graceful Underwing
Catocala gracilis, the Graceful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. Adults have a wingspan of 40–45 mm and are active from July to September. The species has one generation per year. Larvae feed on Leucothoe, Vaccinium pallidum, and possibly Quercus.
Catocala grotiana
Grote's Underwing Moth, Grote's Underwing
Catocala grotiana is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by James S. Bailey in 1879. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs in the western United States, with documented records from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and areas north and east of California. Adults are active in late summer, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala grynea
Woody Underwing
Catocala grynea, the Woody Underwing, is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Pieter Cramer in 1780, this species is distributed across eastern and central North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas. Adults are active from May to September, with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on woody plants in the rose family.
Catocala hermia
Hermia Underwing, Hermia's Underwing Moth
Catocala hermia is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1880. The species is endemic to the Great Plains of North America, ranging from southern Canada through the western United States. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae feed on poplar and willow species. Like other underwing moths, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings used in startle displays.
Catocala hermia francisca
Catocala hermia francisca is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1880. As a member of the genus Catocala, it possesses the characteristic bold, colorful hindwings that are concealed at rest by cryptic forewings. The subspecific epithet "francisca" indicates an association with the San Francisco region of California. Like other underwing moths, it is nocturnal and belongs to a group commonly studied by lepidopterists for their distinctive wing patterns and habitat associations.
Catocala herodias
Herodias Underwing, Gerhard's Underwing
Catocala herodias is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1876. The species comprises two subspecies with disjunct distributions: the nominate form occurs in Texas and Oklahoma, while subspecies C. h. gerhardi ranges from Massachusetts to Virginia. Adults have a wingspan of 55–65 mm and fly from July to August. The gerhardi subspecies is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Catocala herodias gerhardi
Pine Barrens Underwing
Catocala herodias gerhardi is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, described by Barnes and Benjamin in 1927. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, which are revealed when the moth is disturbed. The subspecific epithet "gerhardi" distinguishes this population from the nominate form. Underwing moths are notable for their distinctive resting posture, with forewings held together over the back to hide the hindwings beneath.
Catocala herodias herodias
Herodias Underwing
Catocala herodias herodias is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The genus Catocala, meaning "beautiful below," comprises over 250 species known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. When at rest, the forewings provide camouflage against tree bark; when disturbed, the moth reveals vivid hindwing patterns of orange, red, black, white, or blue that startle predators. This subspecies is part of the North American underwing fauna, with adults typically active during summer months. Like other Catocala, they are primarily nocturnal and often associated with wooded habitats.
Catocala ilia
Ilia Underwing, Beloved Underwing, Wife Underwing
Catocala ilia is a nocturnal moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. The species is notable for its highly variable forewing patterns and strikingly colored hindwings, which are typically concealed at rest. It occurs across eastern North America with a disjunct population in the southwestern United States represented by a distinct subspecies.
Catocala ilia zoe
Ilia Underwing
Catocala ilia zoe is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is one of several subspecies of Catocala ilia, a widespread North American underwing moth known for its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Behr in 1874. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala ilia-umbrosa
Ilia Underwing, Ilia Underwing Moth
Catocala ilia-umbrosa is a large underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it conceals brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings at rest. The species has been documented at moth-lighting events in Colorado, including at Bear Creek Nature Center in July 2018. Adults are attracted to ultraviolet lights.
Catocala illecta
Magdalen Underwing
Catocala illecta, commonly known as the Magdalen Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait typical of underwing moths in the genus Catocala. The larvae feed on specific host plants including leadplant, honey locust, and black locust. Adults are active during late spring and early summer, with a single generation per year.