The Darling Underwing is one of the largest and most striking underwing moths, with gray-and-black cryptic forewings and brilliant red-and-black hindwings that are flashed to startle predators. It rests by day on tree bark where its forewing pattern blends perfectly with gray bark. The genus Catocala contains dozens of North American species collectively called underwings, beloved by moth collectors.
Habitat
Riparian forests and woodlands near rivers
Diet
Larvae: willow and cottonwood. Adults: fermenting fruit and tree sap
How common
Uncommon
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