It was docile enough to allow me to move it onto a tree and coax it to open its wings to reveal the feature that makes the catocala so special.
The common name given for this species is "Yellow-gray Underwing", but Theodore Sargent, in his book "Legion of the Night: Underwing Moths" suggests that the common name is only appropriate for the form "luctuosa". This form is described as having a "yellow-reddish cast" to the forewings and is considered very rare.
Hey! Check your shoes!
