Catocala blandula

Hulst, 1884

Charming Underwing

blandula, the charming underwing, is a in the Erebidae first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1884. The is distributed across northern North America, from Nova Scotia west to central Alberta and south to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. have a wingspan of 42–50 mm and are active from July to September. The feed on Amelanchier, Malus sylvestris, and Crataegus.

Catocala blandula by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala blandula by (c) Dan MacNeal, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala blandula by no rights reserved, uploaded by Matt Kenne. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala blandula: /ˌkæ.təˈkeɪ.lə ˈblæn.djʊ.lə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by geographic range and association with specific larval plants (Amelanchier, Malus sylvestris, Crataegus). Forewing pattern and hindwing coloration differ from related species. The former C. blandula manitobensis is now considered a synonym.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 42–50 mm. Like other , the forewings are dull-colored and serve as camouflage when at rest, concealing the more brightly patterned hindwings beneath.

Habitat

Associated with supporting its larval plants: Amelanchier (serviceberry), Malus sylvestris (wild apple), and Crataegus (hawthorn). These are typically woodland edges, orchards, and shrubby areas.

Distribution

North America: Nova Scotia west to central Alberta, south to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Records from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Vermont.

Seasonality

are on from July to September, with timing varying by location.

Diet

feed on Amelanchier, Malus sylvestris, and Crataegus. feeding habits are not documented in the provided sources.

Host Associations

Amelanchier - larval food plantserviceberry
Malus sylvestris - larval food plantwild apple
Crataegus - larval food planthawthorn

Life Cycle

Complete with , , , and stages. Larval stage feeds on plants. Adults emerge July–September. Specific details of site and stage are not documented in provided sources.

Behavior

Like other , typically rest with forewings held together over the back, concealing the hindwings. When disturbed, they may flash the brightly colored hindwings as a startle defense before taking . Underwing moths generally do not come readily to lights or remain on the periphery of lighted areas.

Other Catocala speciesShare the with dull forewings concealing colorful hindwings; distinguished by specific forewing patterns, hindwing colors, and geographic range

More Details

Taxonomic history

The blandula manitobensis, described from Manitoba, is now considered a synonym of C. blandula.