Umber Underwing
Catocala umbrosa Brou, 2003
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Found in the Gulf Coast states west to central Texas and north to the Carolinas, Illinois and Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): Oaks (Quercus)
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single summer brood, July into September.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands.
Avg. Wingspan: Large Underwing, 2 3/4 – 3 Inches.
Found at: Indian Cave State Park, Niobrara Valley Preserve
Overwintering: As eggs on tree bark
Identification: Very similar to Ilia Underwing (C. ilia) except that there is reduced or no white in the reniform area.
Similar Species: The Umber Underwing is generally brown to brownish gray, whereas C. ilia ranges from dark blackish-gray to a somewhat lighter blue-gray. C. umbrosa generally shows less contrast between its ground color and markings. In particular, the border and/or filling of the reniform spot is usually a much bolder white in ilia but much less conspicuous in umbrosa. (4)
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: (4) Moths of North Carolina
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net, Moths of North Carolina
