Darling Underwing
Catocala cara Guenee, 1852
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Found in the eastern half of the United States west to western Nebraska/eastern Colorado.
Larval Hostplant(s): Poplar, Aspen (Populus) and Willow (Salix).
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single summer brood, June into October.
Habitat: Prairies, meadows and woodlands containing or adjacent to host plants.
Avg. Wingspan: Large Underwing, .2 3/4 – 3 1/3 Inches
Found at: Ash Hollow SHP, Burwell Pond, Indian Cave SP, Rowe Sanctuary.
Overwintering: As eggs on tree bark.
Identification: FW are dusted with green, gold, or yellowish-gray scales. Am and pm lines black, fine and single. HW black bands are broad and even, the inner one reaching the inner margin. Ground color bright red to rose; the inner margin and base of the hindwing are marked with black. The fringe is a dirty white (4)
Similar Species: The Sweetheart Underwing (Catocala amatrix) has more contrasting am and pm lines on the FW. The HW ground color is pinkish red with the inner black band farther out and more ex-curved than in cara.
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: (4) Moths of North Carolina
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net
