The red underwing - Lichénée rouge - Catocala nupta (2)

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY of the Red Underwing.

As the red underwing moth takes off, the sudden flash of colour may confuse the attacker, and when it lands and immediately closes its wings it may seem to disappear as the colour is "switched off". It is also thought that the symmetrical patterned orange sections on the rear wings form the illusion of another smaller creature (butterfly), so the attacker will go for the colourful "small illusive" rear safe region on the main body of this red underwing moth species.

The adult feeds on nectar, the larva eat willow and poplar leaves.