Semirelict Underwing
Catocala semirelicta Grote, 1874
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Found in the New England and upper Great Lakes region and the western United States east to the western edge of the Dakotas and Nebraska. Absent from much of the the midwest, southeast and great plains
Larval Hostplant(s): Poplar, Aspen (Populus) and Willow (Salix).
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single summer brood, June to September.
Habitat: Higher elevation or more northern deciduous woodlands and prairies with/near host plants.
Avg. Wingspan: Medium to large Underwing, 2 1/2 – 3 Inches
Found at:
Overwintering: As eggs on tree bark.
Identification: The FW has a dark bar running parallel to the base. Inner HW bar usually ends well short of the inner margin. (5)
Similar Species: Once Married Underwing (C. unijuga) is usually larger and has less contrasting black lines on the FW. The HW’s inner black band is heavier and usually reaches the inner margin. The FW resembles the White Underwing (C. relicta) hence the name C. semirelicta but the HW differentiates the two.
Notes: Not to be expected in the eastern 2/3 of the state.
Literature Cited: (5) Bill Oehlke’s Moth Website
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net
