MOTHS

RED UNDERWING:

The Latin name for this moth is Catocala nupta.

This moth is found mostly in forests beside streams, as well as calm waters, but also in rather damp mixed forests at altitudes of up to 1000m. This is one of the largest British moths, which rests by day high up on tree trunks or on posts and old walls.

The Red Underwing is a large moth with a wingspan of 7 to 8cm. The forewings are marbled and marked in browns and greys, sometimes with a pink tinge. The underwings are bright red and banded with black. These are flashed when the moth is disturbed and to warn predators away.

The caterpillars are long and thin, varying from yellow to grey, with a fringe of hair. This allows them to blend with twigs when they are stretched out. They feed in spring on poplar and willow trees.

Eggs are laid singly or in small clusters in cracks in the bark of tree trunks.