Catocala

Schrank, 1802

underwing moths, underwings

Species Guides

100

is a large Holarctic of in the Erebidae, containing over 250 . are medium to large with cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The genus is renowned among collectors for its diversity of hindwing patterns in orange, red, white, blue, or black. The "underwings" derives from the habit of hiding the colorful hindwings beneath the dull forewings. The genus name combines Greek words meaning "beautiful below" or "beautiful hindwings."

Catocala unijuga by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nancy Mullin. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala lacrymosa by (c) Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Catocala luciana by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala: //kæˈtɒkələ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The combination of cryptic forewings and brightly patterned hindwings is diagnostic for the . When disturbed, flash the hindwings open to display the contrasting colors. Similar in other genera (e.g., Drasteria, Euscirrhopterus) also have concealed bright hindwings, but is distinguished by its specific wing venation, particularly hindwing 5 arising from below the center of discocellulars, and the crenulate cilia on both wing pairs. The overall size, forewing shape with nearly rectangular apex, and specific pattern elements of the hindwings help distinguish within the genus. Identification to species often requires examination of genitalia due to cryptic and individual variation.

Images

Habitat

Primarily associated with woodland, forest, and parkland where larval plants occur. often found resting on tree trunks or branches during daylight. Some occur in more open habitats including prairies and riparian areas. The shows broad habitat across its range, with individual species often specialized to particular host plant .

Distribution

Holarctic distribution, with over 250 recognized. Approximately half of all species occur in North America, predominantly in the United States. The remainder are distributed across Eurasia, with about 30 species native to Europe. A few species extend into the northern Neotropics and Indomalaya. The is absent from most of Africa, South America, Australia, and Oceania.

Seasonality

are predominantly , flying from shortly after dusk to daybreak, with peak activity approximately two hours after nightfall. Many, if not all, exhibit a secondary activity period around noon lasting 1–2 hours. periods vary by species and latitude, with most temperate species flying during summer months. Some species have extended flight periods from late July through early October in northern regions.

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of woody plants, primarily trees and shrubs. Principal plants belong to Fagales: Betulaceae (alder, birch), Fagaceae (oak, beech, chestnut), and Juglandaceae (hickory, walnut). Populus and Salix (Salicaceae) are important hosts for numerous Old World and some North American . Less common hosts include Ulmus (elms), Tilia (linden), various Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Acer (maple), Fraxinus (ash), and Vaccinium (blueberries). feed on sugary secretions and are readily attracted to fermenting fruit baits.

Host Associations

  • Populus - larval food plantpoplars
  • Salix - larval food plantwillows
  • Quercus - larval food plantoaks
  • Carya - larval food planthickories
  • Juglans - larval food plantwalnuts
  • Alnus - larval food plantalders
  • Betula - larval food plantbirches
  • Fagus - larval food plantbeeches
  • Castanea - larval food plantchestnuts
  • Ulmus - larval food plantelms
  • Tilia - larval food plantlinden, basswood
  • Acer - larval food plantmaples
  • Fraxinus - larval food plantashes
  • Vaccinium - larval food plantblueberries

Life Cycle

are laid singly on bark or branches of trees. Eggs overwinter and hatch in spring. Larvae possess four pairs of abdominal and are , extremely well-camouflaged, often resembling twigs. occurs in a cocoon, typically on or near the host plant. emerge and are predominantly nocturnal with a secondary midday activity period in many .

Behavior

employ a startle defense: when disturbed while resting, they suddenly flash open the hindwings to expose the bright colors, potentially frightening . The roughly concentric hindwing markings may resemble vertebrate at a casual glance. Despite this display, adults are palatable to some predators such as blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata). Adults possess well-developed hearing organs (tympanic organs) to detect echolocating bats. Adults are readily attracted to light and to sugary baits. Larvae are feeders, resting concealed during daylight.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as folivores on woody plants, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as prey for and . serve as prey for including bats and birds. The startle display suggests a role in predator learning, though adults are not chemically defended. Adults may contribute to pollination when feeding at flowers, though this has not been quantified.

Human Relevance

Highly popular with lepidopterists and collectors due to diversity and striking hindwing patterns. Subject of ongoing taxonomic research with new still being described. are readily attracted to light and , making them accessible for citizen science and -watching events. Some species are expanding their ranges, possibly in response to climate change or modification. No significant economic impact; larvae occasionally cause minor defoliation but are not considered forest pests.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic complexity

The contains several cryptic , such as the group around C. delilah, and resolving and remains an ongoing effort with new still being discovered and described. The genus has been informally divided into Eurasian and North American groups for convenience, though this does not necessarily reflect actual phylogenetic relationships.

Etymology

The name derives from Greek kato (κάτω, "the rear one" or "the lower one") and kalos (καλός, "beautiful"), approximately meaning "beautiful hindwings" or "beautiful below."

Activity patterns

The midday activity period observed in many is unusual among noctuidoid and may represent an for mate location or .

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Sources and further reading