Hulst’s Underwing
Catocala luctuosa Hulst, 1884
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Eastern United States north of the Gulf States west as far as southeast Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Walnut (Juglans) and Hickory (Carya)
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single summer brood.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands.
Avg. Wingspan: 2 1/3 – 3 Inches
Found at: Indian Cave State Park
Overwintering: As an egg on the hostplant.
Identification: FW very similar in pattern to Yellow-gray Underwing (C. retecta) but often with a pink to purple hue with the subterminal area sometimes primarily light brown. HW fringe often dirty yellowish white.
Similar Species: Very similar in pattern to the Yellow-gray Underwing (C. retecta) but possesses a more yellowish or reddish shading, with the subterminal area sometimes primarily light brown. (6)
Notes: This species is sometimes listed as a subspecies of the Yellow-gray Underwing (C. retecta). Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: 6. Forbes, W. T. M. Lepidoptera of New York and Neighboring States. Part III, Noctuidae. Memoir 329, Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station of the New York State College of Agriculture, Ithaca, New York.
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group,
