Darling Underwing vs Elm Bark Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Darling Underwing Elm Bark Beetle
Scientific Name Catocala cara Scolytus multistriatus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Erebidae Curculionidae (Scolytinae)
Size 75-90 mm wingspan 2–3.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Darling Underwing

A large underwing moth with cryptic gray-brown forewings and striking pinkish-red hindwings banded with black. It is commonly attracted to sugaring baits.

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Did You Know?

Its Latin name cara means 'darling' or 'beloved,' referencing the beautiful pink hindwings hidden under its bark-like forewings.

Elm Bark Beetle

A small bark beetle that is the primary vector of Dutch elm disease in North America. It creates distinctive brood galleries under elm bark.

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Did You Know?

It spreads the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, which has wiped out millions of elm trees worldwide.