72.081 Dark Crimson Underwing Copyright Martin Evans
72.081 Dark Crimson Underwing and Light Crimson Underwing Copyright Martin Evans
72.081 Dark Crimson Underwing and Light Crimson Underwing (underwings) Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.081 Dark Crimson Underwing Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.081 Dark Crimson Underwing Catocala sponsa (Linnaeus, 1767)

RDB / suspected Immigrant

Similar species: Light Crimson Underwing Catocala promissa has a gap between the pale tear shaped central mark in the forewing and the inner central cross-line.

Forewing: 29 to 35mm

Habitats: Ancient and mature deciduous woodland.

Habits: The moth flies around the tree canopy in the late afternoon on sunny days. It occasionally flies from a couple of hours before dusk when it comes to sugar. It comes only sparingly to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the canopy on the flowers and buds of Pendunculate Oak and possibly Sessile Oak. When larger it feeds at night on the leaves. It rests along twigs or in crevices in the bark by day. It pupates between spun leaves.