Erebidae

72.080 French Red Underwing Catocala elocata (Esper, 1787)

Immigrant

Similar species: Red Underwing Catocala nupta (forewing 33 to 49mm) has less diffuse markings and the outer central cross-line is not evenly zig-zagged until it trails slightly outward at the trailing edge. Instead it is more jagged and has an abrubt, deep, inward indentation near the trailing edge.

Forewing: 36 to 40mm

Habitats: In Europe it inhabits deciduous woodland, forested river valleys and urban areas.

Habits: One record in Jersey in October 1903 and the first on the British mainland at Eythorne, Kent in September 2015. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on willows and poplars. It probably pupates spun between leaves of the foodplant.