Underwing-moth
Guides
Catocala insolabilis
Inconsolable Underwing
Catocala insolabilis, commonly known as the inconsolable underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is characterized by the typical underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. Adults are active from June to August with one generation per year.
Catocala irene
Irene's underwing
Catocala irene, known as Irene's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae first described by Hans Hermann Behr in 1870. It is found in the western United States, specifically in Utah, California, and Nevada. The species has a wingspan of 65–75 mm and adults are active from July to September, with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala jair
Jair underwing, Barrens underwing
Catocala jair is a small underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1897. It is restricted to a narrow coastal plain distribution in the southeastern United States, occurring in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, coastal North Carolina, and northern Florida. The species has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and adults are active from May to June, with likely one generation per year.
Catocala lacrymosa
Tearful Underwing
Catocala lacrymosa, the Tearful Underwing, is a medium-large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from July to September with one generation per year. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of dull cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. Larvae feed on hickory species (Carya).
Catocala louiseae
Louise's underwing
Catocala louiseae, commonly known as Louise's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by John Bauer in 1965. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, with adults active in May and sometimes into June. The specific epithet honors Louise Mellon, who funded the Carnegie Museum expedition on which the type specimen was collected. The species has been given precedence as a nomen protectum over its senior synonym Catocala protonympha.
Catocala luciana
Shining Underwing, Luciana Underwing Moth
Catocala luciana is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1874. The species is native to western North America, with a distribution spanning the Great Plains from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defensive adaptation. Adults are active in late summer and early autumn.
Catocala marmorata
Marbled Underwing
Catocala marmorata, known as the marbled underwing, is a large moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. Adults are active from July to September, with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala mcdunnoughi
McDunnough's underwing
Catocala mcdunnoughi, known as McDunnough's underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Auburn Edmund Brower in 1937. It is endemic to California, where adults are active from June to August with likely one generation per year. The larvae feed on Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak). Like other underwing moths, it exhibits the characteristic cryptic forewings and colorful hindwings typical of the genus.
Catocala meskei
Meske's Underwing, Meske's Underwing Moth
Catocala meskei is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The species has a transcontinental North American distribution spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. Adults are active during mid to late summer, and larvae feed on poplar and willow species.
Catocala messalina
Messalina underwing
Catocala messalina, the Messalina underwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. It is one of more than 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths due to their habit of concealing brightly colored hindwings beneath cryptic forewings. The species was described by Achille Guenée in 1852 and is restricted to the southeastern and south-central United States.
Catocala micronympha
Little Nymph Underwing, Little Bride Underwing
Catocala micronympha is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The species is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs across eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through late summer. The larval stage feeds exclusively on oak species.
Catocala mira
Wonderful Underwing
Catocala mira, known as the Wonderful Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. The species name derives from Latin mira, meaning "wonderful." It is a medium-sized underwing moth with distinctive gray forewings featuring a lighter diagonal band and orange hindwings with irregular black banding. The species occurs across eastern and central North America and has been recorded feeding on hawthorns (Crataegus) in the larval stage.
Catocala miranda
Miranda underwing
Catocala miranda is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is commonly known as the Miranda underwing, a name reflecting the genus's characteristic hidden hindwing patterns. The species occurs in the eastern and southeastern United States, with adults active in late spring. The larvae feed on hawthorns (Crataegus).
Catocala muliercula
Little Wife Underwing
Catocala muliercula, known as the Little Wife Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is one of more than 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly called underwing moths due to their habit of concealing brightly colored hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. This species occurs across eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas and New Mexico. Like other underwings, it is primarily nocturnal and attracted to lights.
Catocala myristica
Myristica Underwing
Catocala myristica is a species of underwing moth in the family Erebidae, described by Kons and Borth in 2015. 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 species is part of a diverse genus containing over 250 species worldwide, with approximately half occurring in North America.
Catocala nebulosa
Clouded Underwing
Catocala nebulosa is a large underwing moth native to eastern and central North America. Adults are nocturnal and active from July to September, with a single generation per year. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing defense: cryptic forewings conceal brightly patterned hindwings that are flashed to startle predators. Larvae feed on bitternut hickory and black walnut.
Catocala neogama euphemia
Catocala neogama euphemia is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. It belongs to the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, which are characterized by their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The subspecies was described by Beutenmüller in 1907. Like other underwings, it is nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Catocala obscura
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura, the obscure underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Canada to the southeastern and midwestern United States. Adults are active from July to October, with a wingspan of 60–72 mm. The species is named for its relatively subdued hindwing pattern compared to other underwing moths.
Catocala obscura-residua
Obscure Underwing
Catocala obscura-residua is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it exhibits the characteristic resting posture where dull forewings conceal brightly colored hindwings. The genus Catocala contains over 250 species, with approximately half occurring in North America. These moths are nocturnal and are typically attracted to light sources, though they often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets.
Catocala ophelia
Ophelia Underwing
Catocala ophelia is a moth in the family Erebidae, commonly known as the Ophelia Underwing. It inhabits dry forests in the southwestern United States. Adults are active from July to October with likely one generation per year. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of dull forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings.
Catocala palaeogama
Oldwife Underwing, Old Wife Underwing
Catocala palaeogama is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Guenée in 1852. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing morphology: cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings when at rest. Adults are active from June through October with one generation per year. The larval stage feeds exclusively on hardwood trees in the walnut and hickory family (Juglandaceae), as well as chestnut, apple, and related species. The species ranges across eastern and central North America from Ontario to South Carolina and west to Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Catocala parta
Mother Underwing Moth, Mother Underwing
Catocala parta, the mother underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults are active from August to September and possess a wingspan of 70–78 mm. The species exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. Larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.
Catocala praeclara
Praeclara Underwing, Praeclara Underwing Moth
Catocala praeclara, commonly known as the Praeclara Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was described by Grote and Robinson in 1866. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to underwing moths. Adults are active in late summer, and larvae feed on specific woody plants in the rose family.
Catocala residua
Residua Underwing
Catocala residua is a North American underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Adults are medium-sized with a wingspan of 60–73 mm and are active from July to September. The species is distinguished by its cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings characteristic of the genus Catocala.
Catocala retecta-luctuosa
Retecta Underwing, Luctuosa Underwing
Catocala retecta-luctuosa is a species of underwing moth in the genus Catocala, family Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings. The species is part of a diverse North American radiation of Catocala moths, many of which are challenging to distinguish without close examination. Its specific epithet reflects historical taxonomic treatment as a complex or related forms.
Catocala robinsonii
Robinson's Underwing
Robinson's Underwing (Catocala robinsonii) is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. The species is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs primarily in eastern and central North America, with larvae specializing on hardwood trees including hickory, walnut, and oak.
Catocala semirelicta
Semirelict Underwing Moth
Catocala semirelicta is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874. Like other members of the genus Catocala, it possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, which are exposed when the moth is disturbed. The species occurs across a broad North American range spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, with particular abundance in western mountainous regions.
Catocala serena
Serene Underwing
Catocala serena, the serene underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Ontario and New England south to Tennessee, and west to Illinois and eastern Wisconsin. Adults are active from July to September with one generation per year. The larvae feed on shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).
Catocala similis
Similar Underwing
Catocala similis, commonly known as the similar underwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a trait common to the genus Catocala. Adults are active during late spring and early summer across eastern North America, with larvae feeding on specific hardwood trees.
Catocala sordida
Sordid Underwing
Catocala sordida, the sordid underwing, is a moth species in the family Erebidae described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species occurs across eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding on hackberry (Celtis) and blueberry (Vaccinium). Adults are active from May through September.
Catocala ulalume
Ulalume Underwing
Catocala ulalume, the Ulalume Underwing, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is one of approximately 250 species in the genus Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths for their habit of concealing brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with adults active during summer months and larvae specializing on hickory host plants.
Catocala ultronia
Ultronia Underwing, Dark Red Underwing
Catocala ultronia is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species occurs across eastern North America and southern Canada, with larvae feeding on a documented range of woody host plants including ash, apple, poplar, cherry, and basswood. Adults are active in August and do not typically come directly to lights, instead remaining on the periphery of illuminated areas.
Catocala umbrosa
Umber Underwing
Catocala umbrosa is a North American underwing moth described by Vernon Antoine Brou Jr. in 2002. Adults are active from April through August with one generation per year. The species occupies a broad geographic range across eastern and central North America.
Catocala unijuga
once-married underwing, once-married underwing moth
Catocala unijuga is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1858. Adults are characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a trait shared across the genus Catocala. The species is distributed across northern and western North America, with larvae feeding on poplars and willows. Adults fly from July to September in a single annual generation.
Catocala vidua
widow underwing
Catocala vidua, commonly known as the widow underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797. It is a medium-large underwing moth with a wingspan of 70–80 mm. Adults are active from August to October, with one generation per year. The larvae feed on several tree species including hickories, walnuts, oaks, black locust, and willow.
Catocala whitneyi
Whitney's Underwing
Catocala whitneyi is an underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by G. M. Dodge in 1874. Adults have a wingspan of 45–50 mm and are active from July to August in a single generation. The species is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala.
Coranarta luteola
Small Dark Yellow Underwing
Coranarta luteola is a small noctuid moth native to boreal North America. First described in 1865, it occurs from Alaska and Labrador south through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and eastward to Maine. The species has a forewing length of 11–12 mm. Its larvae feed on laurels (Kalmia species), while adults visit flowers, particularly Andromeda polifolia. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut.
Drasteria divergens
Drasteria divergens is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Behr in 1870. The species has a wingspan of approximately 44 mm. Adults are active from March through August in California, with a broader distribution spanning from California to Colorado and northward to British Columbia. This species belongs to a genus known for underwing moths that typically display cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings used in startle defense.
Drasteria eubapta
Drasteria eubapta is a moth in the family Erebidae, described by Hampson in 1926. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and California. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 31 mm. The species shows bimodal adult activity, with records from early spring (March–April) and early autumn (September).
Drasteria mirifica
Wonderful Graphic
Drasteria mirifica is a small owlet moth in the family Erebidae, native to western North America. It is known for its distinctive wing pattern and behavior of flashing brightly colored hindwings when disturbed. The species was first described by Henry Edwards in 1878.
Drasteria pulchra
Drasteria pulchra is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The species is known from California, with adults active during summer months. The wingspan ranges from 34 to 37 mm, with distinctive wing patterning featuring contrasting dark and light areas.
Eudocima
Fruit-piercing Moths
Eudocima is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, established by Gustaf Johan Billberg in 1820. The genus contains numerous tropical species and is notable for the fruit-piercing behavior of its adults, which use their specialized mouthparts to puncture fruit and feed on juices. This feeding habit has made several species significant agricultural pests. The genus has undergone taxonomic revisions, with species historically placed in various other genera.
Euparthenos
locust underwing
Euparthenos is a monotypic moth genus in the family Erebidae containing a single species, Euparthenos nubilis (locust underwing). The genus was erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. Adults are medium-sized nocturnal moths with distinctive yellow-orange hindwings marked by four concentric black bands. The genus is endemic to North America and closely related to the underwing moths of genus Catocala.