Catocala cara

Guenée, 1852

Darling Underwing

Catocala cara, the darling underwing, is a large underwing first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is distinguished by its dark forewings that conceal striking scarlet-pink hindwings with two concentric black bands. The occurs across eastern and central North America, with larvae feeding on poplar and willow species.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala cara: /ˈkætəˌkeɪlə ˈkɑrə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by the combination of dark purplish-brown forewings and scarlet-pink hindwings with two distinct concentric black bands. The heavily hairy hindwing base, appearing as a dark central spot, is a key feature. Similar species include other underwings in the Catocala, which differ in hindwing color pattern and banding configuration.

Images

Habitat

Associated with riparian and woodland where plants occur. Found in areas supporting Populus and Salix , including cottonwood groves and willow-lined wetlands.

Distribution

United States east of the Rocky Mountains, extending west at least to Oklahoma and north at least to Illinois. Barely ranges into southern Canada.

Seasonality

fly from June to October, with timing varying by location.

Diet

Larvae feed on Populus (poplar and cottonwood) and Salix (willow) , particularly black willow (Salix nigra). diet not documented.

Host Associations

Populus - larval poplar and cottonwood
Salix - larval willow , especially Salix nigra (black willow)

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae are foliage feeders on trees. Adult period spans summer through early autumn.

Behavior

are . Like other underwing moths, they typically rest with forewings folded together over the back, concealing the brightly colored hindwings. When disturbed, they may flash hindwings as a startle defense.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores on woody riparian vegetation. may serve as prey for including bats and birds.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest among lepidopterists and citizen scientists, particularly during National Week events. Not known to be an agricultural pest.

Similar Taxa

Catocala carissimaFormerly treated as a of C. cara, now recognized as a valid occurring to the south of C. cara. Separated based on geographic distribution and morphological differences.
Catocala silviaFormerly considered a distinct but now recognized as merely a form of C. carissima with no formal taxonomic standing.

More Details

Taxonomic History

The has been classified variously within Noctuidae or Erebidae depending on circumscription. It belongs to tribe Catocalini and, under broad Noctuidae concepts, subtribe Catocalina.

Etymology

The name Catocala is Greek for 'beautiful below', referring to the striking hindwings concealed at rest. The specific epithet cara is Latin for 'dear' or 'beloved'.