Ultronia Underwing
Catocala ultronia (Hubner, 1823)
Family: Erebidae
Status: Resident
Range: Found from the eastern seaboard west to the Rocky Mountains.
Larval Hostplant(s): Primarily Apple (Malus) and Cherry (Prunus) but also Ash (Fraxinus), Linden (Tilia) and Aspen (Populus).
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Broods/Flight Times: A single brood flying from mid to late summer.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands.
Avg. Wingspan: Small to medium sized Underwing, 1 3/4 – 2 1/2 Inches.
Found at: Box Elder WMA, Fontenelle Forest, Gilbert-Baker WMA, Homestead NM, Indian Cave SP, Niobrara Valley Preserve, Rowe Sanctuary, Wildcat Hills SRA.
Overwintering: As eggs on woody stems.
Identification: FW pattern predominantly longitudinal (running from base to outer margin); typically with a dark brown to black strip along inner margin, and similar-colored subapical patch extending from outer margin to PM line or reniform spot. HW dark orangish-red, rarely pinkish or yellow, with complete black median band and wider black terminal band; small brownish/white patch at apex. (1)
Similar Species: Ultronia Underwings can usually be identified by their unique FW characteristics and the orange-red HW with the brownish apex and their intermediate size.
Notes: Identifying features illustrated.
Literature Cited: (1) BugGuide.net
đź”—Links: Moth Photographers Group, BugGuide.Net
