About White Underwing
A striking underwing moth with white and black banded forewings that mimics birch bark. Its hindwings are black with broad white bands.
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.
How to Identify White Underwing
White Underwing (Catocala relicta) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Erebidae. Adults typically measure 70-85 mm wingspan.
White Underwing Habitat
White Underwing is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Northern United States and southern Canada. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
White Underwing Diet and Feeding
White Underwing feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is White Underwing Found?
White Underwing can be found in Northern United States and southern Canada, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where White Underwing can be found
Is White Underwing Dangerous?
White Underwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
White Underwing Role in Nature
White Underwing is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About White Underwing
What does White Underwing look like?
The White Underwing typically measures 70-85 mm wingspan.
Where is White Underwing found?
The White Underwing is found in Northern United States and southern Canada and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does White Underwing eat?
The White Underwing feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is White Underwing dangerous to humans?
The White Underwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about White Underwing?
It is one of the only underwing moths with white rather than colored hindwings, matching the white bark of its birch tree hosts.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). White Underwing (Catocala relicta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/white-underwing
MLA:
"White Underwing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/white-underwing.