Ilia Underwing

Catocala ilia

"Catocala ilia", the Ilia underwing, beloved underwing or wife underwing, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. It can be found in the eastern part of the United States as well as southern Canada. Subspecies "Catocala ilia zoe" can be found in California and Arizona.
Taken off a trail in Suwanee, Georgia Catocala ilia,Geotagged,Ilia Underwing,Spring,United States

Appearance

The wingspan is 65–82 mm. A spot on its forewing with a distinct white circle which encompasses it distinguishes this moth from others in the same family. Otherwise, the forewing can be extremely variable. The underwing that it is named for can range in color from light orange to a deep red. The moths flies from June to September depending on the location.
Ilia Underwing - Catocala ilia I found this moth resting on some moss. I thought it was dead until it started moving its legs and wings slightly. It wasn't doing well, so I held it in my hands for awhile, trying to warm it up since it was cold and rainy. I was hoping that it was just cold and needed to be warmed up. But sadly, it wasn't meant to be, and the moth died. Habitat: Deciduous forest https://www.jungledragon.com/image/85384/ilia_underwing_-_catocala_ilia.html Catocala ilia,Fall,Geotagged,Ilia Underwing,United States,catocala,moth,underwing

Naming

*"Catocala ilia ilia"
⤷ "Catocala ilia zoe" Behr, 1870
Ilia Underwing - Catocala ilia This moth has a sad story. I found it at a bird blind in a mixed forest. It was alive when I took this picture, but unable to fly and appeared to be dying. I tried getting it to grasp the side of the bird blind to get it up off the ground, but it wasn't able to hold on. So, I found a quiet, secluded spot to leave it safely. I wandered off for a minute to snap a picture of a mushroom, and when I came back to check on this moth, it was totally squished and very dead! One of my kids happened to accidentally step on the moth. What are the odds? I left it in such a safe spot! But, I guess nothing is safe when it comes to rambunctious boys. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/66326/ilia_underwing_-_catocala_ilia.html Catocala,Catocala ilia,Geotagged,Summer,United States,moth,underwing

Food

The larvae feed on oak, including black, burr, red, and white oaks.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyErebidae
GenusCatocala
SpeciesC. ilia
Photographed in
United States of America