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Gloomy Underwing

Catocala tristis

Plate XXXII — Gloomy Underwing is Fig. 3

The species appears to be commoner in New England than elsewhere.

← Judith Underwing Relict →

2026 Editor's Note: The Gloomy Underwing is a member of a genus named for the Ancient Greek words for "rear wings beautiful," referring to the colorful hindwings hidden beneath their camouflaged forewings. Following a convention started by Carl Linnaeus, many species in this genus were given names with a feminine or marital theme, such as the Bride, Widow, and Girlfriend underwings. In the early 20th century, these moths were central to a scientific debate regarding whether insects could hear, as researchers used their tendency to drop to the ground when disturbed to test reactions to high-pitched sounds. (Ed: GG 2026-08-11)

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