LARGE YELLOW UNDERWING, PEARLY UNDERWING, HENRY'S MARSH MOTH, Brown-collared Dart, and Miranda Moth
Another Large Yellow Underwing. These moths are quite variable. Some individuals have dark red wings, and some have lighter, tan-colored wings. I find Large Yellow Underwings from May through October. They can be attracted with lights or moth bait.
Another Pearly Underwing. These moths have seven black dots along the side of each wing. The dots are arranged in a pair of two, another pair of two, a single dot, and then a third pair of two. This arrangement is a distinctive feature of the species.
This is another Pearly Underwing. Some individuals have a white streak down the middle of the thorax.
Large Yellow Underwing. This species is not native to America; it was introduced from Europe in 1979 and has spread rapidly across the continent.
This is a Pearly Underwing moth. The larvae are called Variegated Cutworms.
Pearly Underwing moth. This is a common species in our area; I find them from April through November.
Henry's Marsh Moth. I am more familiar with the caterpillars of this species than the adults. This individual is the only adult I have ever seen (August 20, 2018, at Cox Arboretum). The caterpillars are gorgeous creatures. The adult moth is not nearly as colorful, but the sharp lines give it a sleek appearance.
Brown-collared Dart, an uncommon visitor to my lights. I have only a couple of sightings in June and September.
Miranda Moth, photographed at my lights on September 23, 2017. This is my only sighting of the species.