Oldwife Underwing
Catocala palaeogama Guenee, 1852
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Eastern United States west as far as southeast Nebraska and central Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Larval Hostplant(s): Hickory (Carya) and Walnut (Juglans).
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single summer brood, June into October.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands.
Avg. Wingspan: Medium size, 2 1/3 – 2 3/4 Inches.
Found at: Fontenelle Forest, Indian Cave State Park, Homestead National Monument
Overwintering: As eggs on tree bark.
Identification: Several forms are found but most frequently the FW is variable, usually mottled whitish-gray with a dark bar in the outer half of the median area parallel to the lower margin. The subreniform spot is closed. HW orange to yellow orange with black bands with heavy brown-black basal hairs, fringe orange to the apex, and heavily barred. The shape and course of the inner black band on the HW is consistent.
Similar Species: Larger than Habilis Underwing (C. habilis).
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
