Red Underwing
Scientific Name: Catocala nupta
Category: insect
Brief Description
A large, striking moth belonging to the Erebidae family, known for its cryptic grey-brown forewings and brilliantly colored hindwings that flash bright red and black.
Characteristics
Forewings are mottled grey-brown providing excellent camouflage on tree bark. Hindwings are vibrant red with distinctive black bands and a wavy white/pale border. Wingspan ranges from 75 to 85 mm.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, parks, gardens, and areas with an abundance of mature willow and poplar trees.
When to Find It
Adults fly from late July through October and are nocturnal, frequently attracted to light and sugar baits.
Conservation Status
Common and widespread, currently of least concern.
Ecological Role
Adults serve as a food source for nocturnal predators like bats and owls, while caterpillars feed primarily on the foliage of specific canopy trees.
Easily Confused With
Other Red Underwing species (like Catocala sponsa) and related underwing moths; distinguished by the specific pattern of black bands and white markings on the bright red hindwings.
Observation Tips
Look for them resting flat against tree trunks during the day where their grey forewings render them nearly invisible, or check porch lights at night during late summer and autumn.
Interesting Facts
When disturbed, the Red Underwing suddenly flashes its vivid red hindwings to startle predators, then quickly closes them and drops into leaf litter to vanish.