Lesser Yellow Underwing vs Ilia Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Yellow Underwing | Ilia Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Noctua comes | Catocala ilia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 40-46 mm wingspan | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Yellow Underwing
Similar to the Large Yellow Underwing but smaller with more orange-yellow hindwings. Very common in gardens and attracted to light. Larvae feed on many herbaceous plants.
Did You Know?
Together with its larger relative, forms one of the most abundant moth species partnerships in garden moth traps.
Ilia Underwing
A large moth with bark-patterned gray forewings that conceal bright reddish-orange and black hindwings. When startled, it flashes its colorful hindwings to confuse predators.
Did You Know?
It rests head-down on tree trunks during the day, where its cryptic forewings blend perfectly with oak bark.