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.
Best time to see a Darling Underwing
The best time to see a Darling Underwing is August–September, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,798 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Darling Underwing? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Darling Underwing sightings near you
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