Subject: Bark colored moth
Location: Fair Harbor, Fire Island, New York
July 27, 2015 5:37 am
I’ve seen a few of these medium sized moths in Fire Island, NY. They stay on our cedar shingled house during the day unless disturbed.
Signature: Alison Sazinger
Dear Alison,
This is some species of Underwing Moth in the genus Catocala. Just last night, we posted a few images taken at our own porch light of a Walnut Underwing that visited our porch light. We are not certain of your species. According to BugGuide: “Lafontaine & Schmidt (2010) listed 101 species of the genus Catocala in America north of Mexico. Powell & Opler (2009) reported 110 species in all of North America, and about 230 worldwide. ” The common name Underwing refers to the brightly colored underwings which are hidden when the moth is resting. The upper wings of Underwing moths blend in perfectly with tree bark when the moth is resting, and a burst of color results when the disturbed moth takes flight. A predator continues to search for the bright colors and easily overlooks the camouflaged moth.
Thank you for responding h so fast. I’ve never noticed them here before and now they seem common. When it flew I only saw dark brown.
Is the bright park on the dorsal side?
I’ll google the genus.
Thanks!
Alison Salzinger