Catocala angusi

Grote, 1876

Angus' Underwing

Catocala angusi, known as Angus' Underwing, is a in the Erebidae. It is distinguished by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. The occurs across the eastern and central United States, with active from July through October. Larval development is tied to hickory trees, specifically pecan and shagbark hickory.

Catocala angusi by (c) Timothy Gerla, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Timothy Gerla. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala angusi 4537716 by Timothy Gerla. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Catocala angusi YPM ENT 864950 V by Gahm, K. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala angusi: //ˌkætəˈkɑːlə ˈæŋɡuːsaɪ//

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 and association with Carya plants. Forewing pattern and hindwing coloration must be compared directly with sympatric ; precise diagnostic characters require examination of specimens or specialized references not provided in sources.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 60–74 mm. Forewings are dull-colored, providing camouflage against tree bark when at rest. Hindwings are concealed at rest but display bold, colorful patterns when exposed—typical of the Catocala. Specific coloration patterns for C. angusi are not separately documented from in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with deciduous forests containing hickory trees, particularly stands of Carya illinoinensis (pecan) and Carya ovata (shagbark hickory). Specific microhabitat preferences for are not documented.

Distribution

Eastern and central United States: from Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Georgia, west to Arkansas and Kansas, and north to Illinois and Michigan.

Seasonality

are on wing from July to October, with exact timing varying by location within the range.

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya illinoinensis (pecan) and Carya ovata (shagbark hickory). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Carya illinoinensis - larval pecan
Carya ovata - larval shagbark hickory

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae are specialized feeders on hickory foliage. site and stage are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are and have been observed at light sources, though underwing moths typically remain on the periphery of lighted areas rather than landing directly on sheets. When disturbed, adults expose their brightly colored hindwings in a startle display.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as folivores on hickory trees, contributing to nutrient cycling in deciduous forest . likely serve as prey for including bats and birds. Specific or prey relationships are not documented.

Human Relevance

No documented economic or medical significance. The is of interest to lepidopterists and citizen scientists participating in observation events such as National Moth Week.

Similar Taxa

Other Catocala speciesShare cryptic forewings and colorful hindwings; require careful examination of wing patterns and genitalia for definitive separation. C. angusi is distinguished by its specific geographic range and hickory association.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. The Catocala was formerly placed in Noctuidae but is now classified in Erebidae.

Etymology

Specific epithet 'angusi' presumably honors an individual named Angus, though the exact derivation is not documented in available sources.