Catocala chelidonia

Grote, 1881

Catocala chelidonia is a in the Erebidae, first described by Grote in 1881. It belongs to the Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths, characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The occurs in the southwestern United States and has three recognized with distinct geographic ranges. are active during summer months, and larvae feed on oak species.

Catocala chelidonia by (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala chelidonia YPM ENT 563889 V by Sproch, H. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala chelidonia YPM ENT 563889 D by Sproch, H. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala chelidonia: //ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ˌkɛlɪˈdoʊniə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by geographic range and classification. C. chelidonia chelidonia occurs from southern Nevada and south-central Utah southward through Arizona to New Mexico; C. chelidonia occidentalis is found along the western desert edge in southern California northward to Trinity County; C. chelidonia uniforma occurs in mountains of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Subspecies identification requires examination of geographic origin and subtle morphological differences described by Hawks (2010).

Images

Appearance

Wingspan 45–50 mm. Like other Catocala , forewings are cryptically colored in muted browns and grays to resemble bark or dead leaves when at rest. Hindwings are concealed beneath forewings at rest and display bold coloration when exposed. Specific hindwing pattern for C. chelidonia not described in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with oak-containing in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. Occurs in dry mixed conifer forest with oaks at elevations around 7,000 feet, as well as lower elevation desert edges and mountain habitats.

Distribution

Southwestern United States: from Arizona and Utah to California. Three have more restricted ranges: C. c. chelidonia in southern Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico; C. c. occidentalis in California; C. c. uniforma in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico mountains.

Seasonality

on wing from June to September, with timing varying by location. Probably one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Quercus (oaks). diet not specified in available sources.

Host Associations

Quercus - larval plantSpecific oak not identified

Life Cycle

Probably (one per year). Larval stage feeds on oak foliage. and details not specified in available sources.

Behavior

are . Like other underwing moths, typically rests with forewings folded over , concealing brightly colored hindwings. When disturbed, may flash hindwings as startle defense. Normal is to remain on periphery of lighted areas rather than coming directly to light sources.

Other Catocala speciesShare cryptic forewing and colorful hindwing . Distinguished by hindwing color pattern, geographic range, and genitalia.

More Details

Subspecies

Three recognized based on geographic and morphological differences: Catocala chelidonia chelidonia (nominate subspecies), C. c. occidentalis, and C. c. uniforma, described by Hawks in 2010.