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Ilia Underwing

Catocala ilia

Catocala ilia, commonly known as the Ilia Underwing Moth, is a nocturnal moth found throughout much of North America. It belongs to the family Erebidae and is recognized by its large size, with a wingspan of up to 3 inches, and its striking underwing pattern.

As with other underwing moths, the Ilia Underwing has a “flash pattern” on its hindwings that is concealed by the forewings when resting. This pattern is a bright combination of red, orange, and black, which serves as a defense mechanism against predators. When threatened, the moth will flash its hindwings as a distraction to the predator, then quickly fly away, leaving the predator confused and unable to find its target.

The upper side of the wings is brown and gray with white and brown speckling, while the underwing features the flash pattern along with a black and white outer margin. The Ilia Underwing Moth is known for its distinctive appearance and is often mistaken for a butterfly due to its bright colors and large size.

A fun fact about the Ilia Underwing Moth is that its scientific name, Catocala ilia, is derived from the Greek word “ilio,” which means “of Troy.” This is likely a reference to the mythological Trojan War and the city of Troy, as the moth’s bright colors and striking appearance could be seen as a nod to the armor and shields of ancient warriors.

Habitat
Deciduous forests and woodlands, as well as suburban areas with trees.
Scientific Name
Catocala ilia
Wing Span
65mm to 82mm
General Size
Large
Wing Color
brown
brown
grey
grey
Marking's Color
orange
orange
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Two black bands cross the hindwings, distinguishing it from other underwing moths who typically just have one

  2. Flashy hindwings colored orange to fuschia

  3. reniform spot with white ring is common

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.