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Red underwing

Red underwing

Catocala nupta

A species of Underwings

A common butterfly in parts of the British Isles, red underwing is found in several habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and along river banks. The butterfly is most active in the spring and summer when adult females lay eggs. The larvae emerge after the winter to feed on tree foliage.

General Info About Red underwing
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Attributes of Red underwing
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Orange
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Tree sap, ripe fruit, nectar
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Red underwing is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Red underwing is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Red underwing feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Red underwing
It is a large nocturnal European species.
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Life Cycle of Red underwing
Egg The eggs of red underwing are typically laid in clusters or rows on host plants. At this stage, they are small, spherical or oval, often blending with plant tissues for camouflage.
Larva Hatching from the eggs, the larva of red underwing is worm-like with a segmented body. It voraciously feeds on plant material, shedding its skin multiple times as it grows in size.
Pupal The full-grown larva forms a pupa. During this stage, red underwing undergoes remarkable transformation. Its tissues are reorganized, leading to the development of wings and adult structures inside a protective casing.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult red underwing has fully formed wings with distinct color patterns. The adult is focused on mating and reproducing. It does not grow further, as it's reached full size.
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Adult Size of Red underwing
8 cm
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Predators of Red underwing Larvae
Birds, small mammals, reptiles, arthropods like predatory beetles
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Predators of Adult Red underwing
Bats, birds, spiders, other nocturnal predators
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Interesting Facts About Red underwing
Remarkably, red underwing can produce ultrasonic clicks to jam bat echolocation, providing a startlingly sophisticated self-defense mechanism in the insect world.
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Scientific Classification of Red underwing
Tips for Finding Red underwing
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Youth Habitat of Red underwing
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Red underwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of red underwing are often hidden on the undersides of leaves of the host plant, typically in wooded areas. Caterpillars reside on the foliage of trees such as willow, poplar, and apple, feeding at night and hiding during the day in crevices or on the ground covered by leaf litter. Pupae overwinter in shallow underground chambers or in the leaf litter. To find these stages, one must search leafy trees in their preferred habitat and sift through leaf litter. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light, so they're most commonly found near light sources after dark in areas with nearby host trees.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Red underwing
The best timing for finding adult red underwing is during the evening or at night when they are most active; while eggs, larvae, and pupae stages can usually be found during daylight hours.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Red underwing
Weather conditions such as a humid and warm climate are most suitable for finding red underwing. Avoid searching during heavy rain or strong winds as these conditions are not favorable for red underwing.
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How and Where Can You Find Red underwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of red underwing are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, examine the leaves of known host plants, looking for small clusters or rows of eggs.
Larva Red underwing larvae can be found on or near their food plants. Look for evidence of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and search both the tops and undersides of leaves for caterpillars.
Pupal Red underwing pupae may be located in the leaf litter or just beneath the soil surface near the host plants. Search through leaf debris or shallowly dig around the base of host plants to uncover them.
Adult Adult red underwing are attracted to light, so setting up a light trap at night can be effective. Alternatively, baiting trees with sweet, fermented concoctions can also lure them for closer observation.
Are Red underwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Red underwing
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Red underwing is valued by gardeners for its role in pollen transfer, despite often being accidental. This nocturnal insect is drawn to flowers by their vivid colors and distinct shapes, inadvertently transporting pollen while sipping nectar with its proboscis.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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