Darling Underwing vs Peachtree Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Darling Underwing Peachtree Borer
Scientific Name Catocala cara Synanthedon exitiosa
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Sesiidae
Size 75-90 mm wingspan 25–33 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States 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.

Peachtree Borer

A clearwing moth that is the most destructive borer of peach trees in North America. Larvae feed in the bark at the soil line of stone fruit trees.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can girdle and kill a young peach tree in one season by feeding completely around the trunk base.