White Underwing vs Dingy Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White Underwing Dingy Skipper
Scientific Name Catocala relicta Erynnis tages
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Hesperiidae
Size 70-85 mm wingspan 27-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Northern United States and southern Canada Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White Underwing

A striking underwing moth with white and black banded forewings that mimics birch bark. Its hindwings are black with broad white bands.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the only underwing moths with white rather than colored hindwings, matching the white bark of its birch tree hosts.

Dingy Skipper

A small, moth-like butterfly with mottled grey-brown wings that rests with wings spread flat. It is easily overlooked due to its drab colouration.

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Did You Know?

On cool days it basks with wings open like a moth rather than holding them upright like most butterflies.