Sweetheart Underwing
Catocala amatrix (Hubner, [1813])
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Found throughout the United States except in the far west (Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California).
Larval Hostplant(s): Cottonwood, Poplar, Aspen (Populus) and Willow (Salix).
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single summer brood, July into October.
Habitat: Prairies, meadows and woodlands containing or adjacent to host plants, riparian areas and urban settings.
Avg. Wingspan: Large Underwing, 3 – 3 3/4 Inches
Found at: Ash Hollow SHP, Fontenelle Forest, Hackberry Creek WMA, Homestead NM, Indian Cave SP, Rowe Sanctuary, Willow Creek SRA.
Overwintering: As eggs on tree bark.
Identification: FW grayish to purplish-brown with wavy black lines; typical form has diffuse broken black band running from basal area to apex; form electa lacks this band, form pallida is very pale, form hesseli is very dark (melanic). hindwing pinkish-red with black bands; fringe wide and yellowish-white. (1)
Similar Species: The Darling Underwing (Catocala cara) has less contrasting am and pm lines on the FW. The HW ground color is bright red to rose with the black bands broad and even.
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: (1) BugGuide.net
🔗Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.net
