Rosy Underwing

The Rosy Underwing is superficially similar to the native Red Underwing but is slightly smaller and paler looking. Comes to sugar and sometimes to light.

No evidence of breeding in the British Isles but in Europe, the caterpillars can be found between May and June.

There are less than two dozen records from the UK with the first from Shoreham, Sussex in 1875. First recorded on the Channel Islands in 2002 where it is now thought to be resident.

Flight Season

Flies from July to September in one generation, immigrants to the UK can be seen from August.

Size and Family

• Family – Underwings
• Large Sized
• Wingspan Range – 65-80mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Rare Immigrant

Caterpillar Food Plants

Caterpillars feed on poplars (populus) and willows (salix).

Habitat

Mixed Forest

Distribution

• Countries – England

• Widespread in central and eastern Europe but immigrants to the UK are usually from coastal counties of southern England.