Catocala andromedae

Guenée, 1852

Gloomy Underwing, Andromeda Underwing

Catocala andromedae, known as the Gloomy Underwing or Andromeda Underwing, is a in the Erebidae. have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to August, with likely one per year. The is notable for its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings—a defensive trait shared with other underwing moths. Larvae feed on a documented range of woody plants including oaks, hickories, blueberries, and Andromeda.

Catocala andromedae YPM ENT 782805 V by Ono, M. M.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala andromedae 4141470 by John P. Friel. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Catocala andromedae MGCL 1046376 D (cropped) by Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala andromedae: /kætoʊˈkɑːlə ændrɒˈmɛdiː/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by combination of geographic range (southeastern United States), period (May–August), and association with specific larval plants including Andromeda, Carya, and Vaccinium species. Forewing pattern and hindwing coloration differ from ; precise diagnostic characters require examination of specimens. Similar to other underwing moths in general and defensive wing-flicking .

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Like other Catocala , the forewings are dull-colored and cryptic, serving as camouflage when at rest. The hindwings are concealed beneath the forewings and display more striking coloration when exposed. Specific hindwing pattern details for this species are not documented in the provided sources.

Habitat

Associated with wooded supporting larval plants, including forests and shrublands containing oaks (Quercus), hickories (Carya), blueberries (Vaccinium), and Andromeda. Specific microhabitat preferences for are poorly documented.

Distribution

Eastern and southeastern United States: from Maine south through New Jersey to Florida and Alabama, and west to Texas and Oklahoma.

Seasonality

active May to August depending on location. Likely one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Andromeda, Carya (hickories), Lyonia, Quercus (oaks), Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry), and Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Andromeda - larval food plant
Carya - larval food planthickories
Lyonia - larval food plant
Quercus - larval food plantoaks
Vaccinium angustifolium - larval food plantlowbush blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum - larval food planthighbush blueberry

Life Cycle

Likely (one per year). Specific details of , larval, and pupal stages are not documented beyond plant associations.

Behavior

exhibit typical underwing : resting with forewings folded over the back, concealing the hindwings. When disturbed, they rapidly flash the brightly colored hindwings to startle potential before taking . Adults have been observed coming to light, though some underwing moth tend to remain on the periphery of light stations.

Other Catocala speciesShare cryptic forewings and colorful hindwings, but differ in specific wing patterns, geographic distribution, and larval plant associations
Catocala epioneAnother underwing with overlapping range; distinguished by different forewing and hindwing patterns

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Hypogramma andromedae by Guenée in 1852; later transferred to Catocala.

Conservation status

Not formally assessed; appears to be relatively widespread within its documented range based on iNaturalist observations (650+ records).