Lepidoptera Gallery
Moths
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Moths
Catocala cara (Darling Underwing)
The Darling Underwing moth has forewings that are purplish-brown with bark-like black streaks. When resting with wings closed, this protects the moth on its daily hiding places such as eaves, bark crevices, and caves. The hindwings are striped in brown and pink. The wingspan is from 2.75 to 3.3 inches.
This species frequents poplar and willow trees, which are host plants for its larvae. Adults are active from July to October. They lay eggs, which overwinter. The larvae feed on the tree parts, then pupate at or near ground level in the spring.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashatt
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Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Moths
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