About Catocala amestris Strecker, 1874
Like most underwing moths, Catocala amestris has brownish-gray forewings and brightly colored hindwings. Its wingspan measures 1.6 to 1.8 inches, which equals 4 to 4.5 centimeters. The forewings feature a distinct kidney-shaped blotch, and the rest of the wing surface is marked with mixed wavy lines. The hindwings have yellow-orange coloration divided by two wavy black lines. The caterpillar of this species is bluish white overall, with yellowish coloring on its dorsum, or top side. It also has an orange band along each side, plus seven thin black lines on each side. This moth can be observed between June and August, and it inhabits dry-mesic prairies and oak forests. Because it relies on only one genus of host plant, Amorpha spp., it is difficult to find even in these suitable habitats.
