Insect
Red Underwing
Catocala nuptaAlso known as European Red Underwing
Red underwings blend seamlessly against tree bark during the day, relying on cryptically patterned grey forewings to evade resting predators. When disturbed, the moth flashes brilliant crimson hindwings marked with dark bands to startle birds and buy time for a quick escape. Active late in summer, adults emerge at dusk to feed on sugary sap flows, decaying fruit, and flower nectar.
NocturnalCrypticMoth
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyWillow leaves, Poplar leaves, Tree sap
Predators
- Bats
- Songbirds
- Spiders
ThreatsHabitat loss, removal of wetland host trees, and light pollution.
HabitatsBroadleaf woodlands, riverbanks, damp meadows, parks, and gardens.
Life span1 year
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyErebidae
- GenusCatocala
- SpeciesCatocala nupta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Sugar Painting: Apply a sweet mixture of fermented fruit, molasses, and beer to tree trunks at dusk to attract adults.
- Flashlight Inspection: Use a low intensity flashlight to scan tree trunks at night without scaring resting moths.
- Host Plant Protection: Preserve mature willow and poplar trees along waterways to support local caterpillars.
Host Plant (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative Close Relative
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Red Underwing is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
—/7
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.