Underwing Moths (Catocala spp.)

Harry LeGrand and I saw several of these large moths as they fluttered to tree trunks. They were quite skittish and difficult to photograph because they usually flushed before I could get within photographic distance. The dorsal hindwings were jet black with a bright white border. When they first landed, they often held their wings apart and up at an angle before settling in. The habitat was a granite outcrop slope with patches of Virginia Pine, Chestnut Oak, and Pignut Hickory.

Widespread in NC, caterpillars feed on various oaks.

Catocala umbrosa was recently split from C. ilia and inhabits drier habitats than the latter, but not all experts have accepted this split.

Same individual as the above two photos but with different lighting from the flash.