#8778 habilis

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

Habilis Underwing, Sarpy Co., NE August 10, 2012, Barbara and Loren Padelford
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