Red Underwing moth

Red Underwing moth - Catocala Nupta

Wildlife Extra is all about wildlife watching, where to watch wildlife, and how. Sometimes however, you don't need to do anything, the wildlife comes to you. This beautiful specimen appeared on the wall of the Wildlife Extra office on September 6th & 7th 2011. 

Red Underwings fly in August and September, predominantly in areas of light woodlands, or where there are plenty of hedgerows - so may well be seen in town parks and gardens. Relatively common across southern Britain, it is absent from the north. 

These large moths are well camouflaged when at rest (unless the choose to rest on a white wall or on a wooden door), but when flying they have striking red flashes under their wings, and black and white undersides. 

Feeds on willow and poplar trees.