large yellow underwing

not listed

NNA - Not applicable

SNA - Not applicable

not listed

Large yellow underwing is a large, exotic, migratory moth. It is native to Europe and North Africa west to India. It was accidentally introduced into Halifax, Nova Scotia around 1979. Since then, it has spread rapidly. It now occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada. In the U.S. it is abundant and widespread from the northeast to the upper Midwest, south along the Appalachian Mountains, and west of the Rocky Mountains. It is uncommon to absent in the southeast and in the Great Plains. It is common in Minnesota. The caterpillars are generalist feeders. They feed on the young leaves of many species of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Adults are active from mid-June to mid-September. They are found in a very wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, grasslands, meadows, and urban areas. They may migrate great distances.

Adults are 13⁄16″ to 1⅜″ (30 to 35 mm) in length and have a 1¾″ to 2⅜″ (45 to 60 mm) wingspan. Moth size is often given in terms of forewing length, which in this case is 13⁄16″ to 1″ (21 to 26 mm).

The forewing is long, moderately narrow, and variably colored. The background color varies from pale reddish-brown, orangish-brown, tan, or gray, to dark brown or dark reddish-brown. The subterminal (ST) line is pale. Just before the ST line there is a pair of small black spots near the leading edge (costal margin). The spots are often fused together. The other transverse lines are slightly darker or missing. There is often a pale streak on the costal margin on the basal half of the wing. A large, round spot (orbicular spot) in the upper median area may be colored like the background and obscure, or pale and contrasting. A larger, kidney-shaped spot (reniform spot) in the lower median area has a thin inner outline and usually a dark interior. On most individuals it is distinct, on some it is barely visible.

The hindwing is yellow or golden yellow. It has a broad, black, subterminal band, but is otherwise unmarked. There is no dark discal spot.

The head, thorax, and abdomen are colored like the forewings. The antennae are slender and thread-like on both sexes. The eyes are bare.

Total length: 13⁄16″ to 1⅜″ (30 to 35 mm)

Wingspan: 1¾″ to 2⅜″ (45 to 60 mm)

Forewing length: 13⁄16″ to 1″ (21 to 26 mm)

A very wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, grasslands, meadows, and urban areas.

One generation per year: mid-June to mid-September

Adults are active at night and will come to light, often in great numbers.

Eggs overwinter. Caterpillars are active from April to June.

Many species of grasses, forbs, and shrubs

Sources

4, 21, 24, 29, 30, 71, 75, 82, 83.

Common

Location: around Houston, MN