Yellow-gray Underwing
Catocala retecta Grote, 1872
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Eastern United States north of the Gulf States west as far as east Oklahoma, Texas and 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: Medium size. 2 1/3 – 3 Inches.
Found at: Indian Cave State Park
Overwintering: As an egg on the hostplant.
Identification: Light gray FW with a series of dark dashes reaching from the body to near the FW apex. The subreniform spot is ringed with brown, then black and brown again. HW fringe is white, slightly barred. (5).
Similar Species: Hulst’s Underwing (C. luctuosa) has more yellowish or reddish shading, with the subterminal area sometimes primarily light brown.
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: 5. Bill Oehlke’s North American Catocala
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net
