About Catocala ilia Cramer
Catocala ilia, commonly known as the Ilia underwing, beloved underwing, or wife underwing, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae. The species was first formally described by Pieter Cramer in 1776. This moth is found in the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada, while its subspecies *Catocala ilia zoe* occurs in California and Arizona. Its wingspan measures between 65 and 82 mm. The species can be distinguished from other moths in the same family by a spot on its forewing that is enclosed by a clear, distinct white circle. Outside of this marking, the color and pattern of the forewing is extremely variable between individuals. The underwing, which gives the species its common underwing name, ranges in color from pale light orange to a deep rich red. Adults of this moth fly from June to September, with the flight period varying based on the moth's location. The larvae feed on oak trees, including black oak, burr oak, red oak, and white oak.
