The Habilis Underwing has a wingspan of about 2.5 inches. The forewing is light gray with jagged, fine black antemedian and postmedian lines. The inner section of the PM line forms a black dash that is parallel to the inner margin. The hind wing is orange with irregular black bands and a pale orange fringe. The caterpillar is gray with a prominent black lateral stripe and pale white circular marks. This species was identified by Bill Oehilke (The Catocala Website).
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. It is probably uncommon as it is at the western edge of its range. It was photographed in Fontenelle Forest in early August, 2012. The adults fly from mid-July through September, and are attracted to artificial lights.
The larvae feed on the leaves of shagbark hickory, green ash, black walnut and butternut. There is one generation a year. Eggs are laid on tree bark in the fall and hatch the following spring. The pupa is formed under leaf litter.
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