Subject: what is this insect
Location: California
October 10, 2012 8:31 pm
so i got this insect here in California in a park i am not pretty sure what it is called but i need to know its name for my insect collection project for my little nephew
Signature: Me

Underwing

Dear Me,
Though you did not provide much information, we want to inform you that it is illegal to collect insects in state parks without a permit.  This appears to be some species of Underwing Moth, possibly in the genus Catocala, but we are not familiar with the ventral markings to be able to provide more than that.

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Subject: Drasteria moth?
Location: Solano County, CA
July 7, 2012 7:07 pm
flew into my living room. Drasteria seemed the closest, but I couldn’t find any with that bright orange color.
Signature: me

Underwing Moth

This beautiful moth is one of the Underwing Moths in the genus Catocala, and according to the map on Bill Oehlke’s website, at least 7 different species have been documented from Solano County.  We do not have the necessary skills to take this identification to the species level.  Underwing Moths get their name from the brightly colored underwings that are only revealed when the moth is in flight.  When the moth is resting, it is easily camouflaged against bark or other surfaces which allows it to escape predation because the hunter is expecting to find something with brighter coloration after pursuing the flying moth.  If you are interested in learning more about local moths, you might want to see if there is a National Moth Week event near you.

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Underwing Moth resting on mossy bark
Location: SE Michigan
September 24, 2011 6:52 pm
Hello, Bugman: Spotted this large underwing moth flying around eratically during the afternoon; was surprised both by it’s size and that it was flying during a sunny afternoon. Not sure which of the many kinds of Underwings this one is, but it was about 2.5 inches across. It landed on a tree, hoping to ”blend-in” with it’s cryptic patterning. I was able to get 2 nice close-ups, before it fluttered away. Thought you might like to add this shot to your Underwing info.
Signature: Chris O.

Underwing

Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for sending your photo of an Underwing Moth.  We posted another photo earlier today and we wrote about the camouflage ability of the Underwing Moths.  Though your mossy trunk does not effectively hide this individual, our readers should be able to imagine it blending in on a lighter barked tree.  While we don’t believe the Underwing has the ability to choose a tree that will effectively hide it, we do believe that those moths that blend into the trees in a specific area will survive and then subsequently pass on the traits that determine their coloration to their offspring.  Your description of the Underwing flying during daylight hours is very accurate.

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Two differnt butterflies
Location: eastern, canada
September 24, 2011 8:26 am
There is two different type of butterflies and I don’t know what is type is.
Signature: M.o

Underwing

Dear M.o,
You have mistaken an Underwing Moth in the genus Catocala for a butterfly.  Underwing Moths usually have forewings that are patterned like tree bark.  When the Underwing Moth rests on the trunk of a tree, it is perfectly camouflaged, and when it flies, its brightly colored underwings present a flashy appearance.  A predator will be fooled once a flying moth comes to rest hiding the brightly colored underwings.  Your other butterfly is a Red Admiral.

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Brown and red butterfly
Location: Colorado
July 21, 2011 3:44 am
Hey! You’re team is apparently very good at identifying insects and things, so I was wondering if you happen to know what this little creature is. My friend took the pictures at night outside is home in Colorado, but I’m pretty sure it’s a butterfly (since its wings are vertical in the second pic). Other than that, I am having no luck in identifying it. Any idea what kind of butterfly this is?
Signature: Mandooooo

Underwing

Dear Mandooooo,
This is actually a moth and not a butterfly.  Underwing Moths in the genus Catocala are characterized by drab forewings that blend in with tree bark, and boldly marked and colored underwings that show in flight.  If the moth is startled and flies, it displays its bright colors, but when it alights on a tree, it seems to vanish.  Any predators will be hunting for a brightly colored tasty morsel, and they may easily overlook the now camouflaged Underwing Moth.

Underwing Moth

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What is this moth
Location: Waco Texas
May 12, 2011 9:42 am
What is this moth? Found it in Central Texas on an oak tree in May 2011.
I enjoy your site.
Thank you
Signature: Ann

Probably Underwing Moth

Dear Ann,
We believe this is an Underwing Moth in the genus Catocala.  Underwing Moths usually have brownish grey patterned forewings that resemble tree bark which camouflages the moths quite well while they are at rest.  The underwings are often more brightly colored and more boldly marked.  When the moth is forced to fly during daylight hours, the bright forewings capture the attention of a predator who is then unable to locate the moth once it comes to rest because it blends in so well with its surroundings.

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