copper underwing

not listed

NNR - Unranked

SNR - Unranked

not listed

Copper underwing is a mid-sized owlet moth. It occurs throughout the United States and in southern Canada. It is common in Minnesota. Adults are found from July through October in forests, woodlands, and field edges. Larvae feed on the leaves of many woody trees and shrubs, including apple, basswood, blueberry, cherry, grape, greenbrier, hawthorn, hickory, lilac, maple, oak, walnut, raspberry, viburnum, Virginia creeper, and willow.

Adults are ⅞″ to 1⅛″ (23 to 28 mm) in length and have a wingspan of 1½″ to 21⁄16″ (38 to 52 mm).

The forewings are shiny and grayish-brown, and are peppered with pale, grayish-brown scales. There are four dark lines crossing each wing. From the base to the wingtip, these are an antemedial (AM) line, a postmedial (PM) line, a subterminal (ST) line, and a terminal line. The AM line is jagged and often incomplete, appearing as a row of four downward pointing chevrons. The PM line is slightly jagged and is bordered with white below. The ST line is jagged and often indistinct. The terminal line is thin and dark. The area above the PM line is darker, while the area between the PM line and the outer margin is paler. There is a round spot (orbicular spot) in the upper median area and a kidney-shaped spot (reniform spot) in the lower median area. The orbicular spot is and distinct. It is pale with a dark center and a thin black outline. The reniform spot similar but crescent-shaped, darker, and usually indistinct. The hindwings are coppery-red and unmarked. They are rarely seen except briefly when taking flight.

The legs have alternating pale and dark lines.

The antennae are slender and thread-like.

The caterpillar is plump, bluish-green, and less than 1¾″ (4.5 cm) in length. It is covered with many small, scattered, yellow spots. The breathing pores (spiracles) are black and are outlined with white. There is a yellow line (spiracular stripe) running through the spiracles and continuing around the rear. The spiracular stripe is missing from the third segment of the thorax. The eighth segment of the abdomen is conspicuously humped. Mature caterpillars are found from May through June.

Total length: ⅞″ to 1⅛″ (23 to 28 mm)

Wingspan: 1½″ to 21⁄16″ (38 to 52 mm)

Forests, woodlands, and field edges

One generation per year: July through October

Adults are active at night and will come to lights. They rest with the wings held flat over the body. They often aggregate in groups beneath bark and in other dark, close places.

Eggs overwinter. Before pupating the larva rolls a leaf edge creating a shelter.

Leaves of many woody trees and shrubs, including apple, basswood, blueberry, cherry, grape, greenbrier, hawthorn, hickory, lilac, maple, oak, walnut, raspberry, viburnum, Virginia creeper, and willow.

Sources

21, 24, 27, 29, 30, 71, 75, 82.

Common in Minnesota

Amphipyra pyramidoides

Amphipyra pyramidoides, copper underwing, on black walnut. Photos taken in a woodland adjacent to Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI. on May 31, 2021.

Location: Albany, NY

Location: Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI

Amphipyra pyramidoides, copper underwing, on black walnut. Photos taken in a woodland adjacent to Barnes Prairie, Racine Co., WI. on May 31, 2021.

Location: Woodbury, MN

Location: Woodbury, MN