Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing
Catocala retecta-luctuosa
This record describes Catocala retecta-luctuosa (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
FW pale gray, some with yellowish brown shading. Distinct pattern with 2 black dashes near the base, with others below apex, and on PM line. Black HW with a white checkered fringe. *Description applies to luctuosa as well, and the two species are essentially indistinguishable by photo/appearance, hence the combined page for the two. Catocala retecta and luctuosa are essentially indistinguishable by photo/appearance, hence the combined page for the two species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Erebidae
- Subfamily
- Erebinae
- Tribe
- Catocalini
- Genus
- Catocala (Underwings)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern Quebec to Georgia, west to Wisconsin and Arkansas.
Seasonal Activity
July to October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hickory and Walnut
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Catocala retecta-luctuosa. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Mike Quinn , Jason D. Roberts , Maury Heiman , marcie oconnor , Randy Hardy
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing
What is Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing?
Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing (Catocala retecta-luctuosa) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing?
60-75 mm.
How do you identify Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing?
FW pale gray, some with yellowish brown shading. Distinct pattern with 2 black dashes near the base, with others below apex, and on PM line. Black HW with a white checkered fringe. *Description applies to luctuosa as well, and the two species are essentially indistinguishable by photo/appearance, hence the combined page for the two.
Where is Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing found?
Range: Southern Quebec to Georgia, west to Wisconsin and Arkansas.
What does Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing eat?
The diet of the Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing includes Hickory and Walnut.
When is Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing active?
Yellow-gray Underwing and Hulst's Underwing: seasonal activity - July to October.