Catocala californica

Edwards, W.H., 1864

Western Underwing Moth

californica is a in the Erebidae, first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. It belongs to the Catocala, characterized by cryptic that conceal brightly colored when at rest. The is found in western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south to California. are active during summer months, with feeding on specific plants.

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CXCVI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala californica: //ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other by geographic distribution in western North America combined with specific and pattern details. Identification to species level requires examination of pattern characteristics and . Former edwardsi and elizabeth are now considered synonyms, reducing confusion in identification.

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Appearance

Wingspan approximately 65 mm. Like other , are typically cryptic and held together over the back at rest, concealing the beneath. Hindwings display the bold coloration characteristic of .

Habitat

Found in western North ranging from British Columbia and Alberta through Washington and Oregon to California. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented in available sources.

Distribution

Western North America: British Columbia and Alberta south through Washington and Oregon to California.

Seasonality

on from June to August, with exact timing varying by location within the range.

Diet

feed on Juglans nigra (black walnut) and Salix (willows). feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Juglans nigra - larval black walnut
  • Salix - larval willow

Life Cycle

with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larval stage feeds on plants; adult occurs June to August. Specific details of site and stage are not documented.

Behavior

rest with folded together over the back, concealing the brightly colored —a posture characteristic of the . This likely serves as avoidance .

Ecological Role

Larval on ; specific functions are not well documented. As a member of the group, may serve as for including bats and birds.

Human Relevance

No significant documented interactions with humans. Not known to be an agricultural pest. Of interest to and naturalists studying western North fauna.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Catocala speciesMany share similar cryptic and colorful patterns; precise identification requires detailed examination of markings and .

More Details

Taxonomic History

Former californica edwardsi and Catocala californica elizabeth are now considered synonyms, simplifying the of this .

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Sources and further reading