Habilis Underwing
Catocala habilis Grote, 1872
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Northeastern United States south to Kentucky and Missouri and west to eastern Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Hickory (Carya) and Walnut (Juglans)
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single late summer/fall brood.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands.
Avg. Wingspan: Small to Medium Sized. 2 1/8 – 2 1/2 Inches.
Found at: Indian Cave SP, Fontenelle Forest.
Overwintering: As an egg on woody host plant growth.
Identification: FW with slightly contrasting thin black lines and whitish shadings, may have basal black dash. HW orange, bands black with dark brown basal hairs. (2)
Similar Species: Serene Underwing (C. serena) has a brownish collar on the thorax and a “smoother” FW appearance. Oldwife Underwing (C. paleogama) is larger.
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: (2) Legion of Night: The Underwing Moths, Theodore D Sargent, University of Massachusetts Press 1976
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net
