Catocala crataegi

Saunders, 1876

Hawthorn Underwing, Chokeberry Underwing

Catocala crataegi is a medium-sized underwing in the Erebidae, native to eastern North America. display the characteristic Catocala pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. The is named for its larval association with hawthorns (Crataegus). It was formerly considered with Catocala pretiosa, but the latter was reinstated as a valid species in 1982.

Catocala crataegi YPM ENT 773199 V by Lazarova, Y. P.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala crataegi 85596145 by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Catocala crataegi 46251532 by Peter Waycik. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala crataegi: /ˌkætəˈkeɪlə kreɪˈtiːdʒaɪ/

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, period (June–August), and association with Crataegus plants. Hindwing pattern differs from related species; precise identification requires comparison with C. pretiosa, which was historically confused with this species. Genitalic examination may be necessary for definitive separation from similar underwings.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Forewings are mottled gray-brown, serving as bark camouflage when at rest. Hindwings are concealed at rest but display bold coloration when exposed—typically with orange, red, or black banding patterns characteristic of the . The body is robust with a furry . are .

Habitat

Found in deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and shrublands where hawthorn (Crataegus) grows. Occurs in both mature forests and disturbed with hawthorn thickets. Elevation range not specifically documented but occurs across varied topography in eastern North America.

Distribution

Eastern North America: Ontario and Quebec to Prince Edward Island, south through Maine, Connecticut to Georgia, west to Arkansas, and north to Minnesota.

Seasonality

active June to August, with timing varying by latitude. Single per year ().

Diet

Larvae feed on Crataegus (hawthorn) and Malus (apple, as Pyrus malus). feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

Crataegus - larval primary , namesake of
Malus - larval recorded as Pyrus malus in source

Life Cycle

Complete with four stages: , larva, pupa, . Larvae feed on foliage. occurs in soil or leaf litter. Single ; adults emerge in early to mid-summer.

Behavior

are . Like other Catocala, they typically rest with forewings folded over hindwings, concealing the bright coloration. When disturbed, they may flash hindwings as a startle defense. Attracted to lights, though some underwing remain at periphery of light stations.

Catocala pretiosaFormerly considered synonymous; reinstated as valid in 1982 by Schweitzer. Very similar in appearance and .
Other Catocala species contains over 250 with similar underwing ; many require genitalic dissection or molecular analysis for definitive identification.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Catocala pretiosa was treated as a synonym of C. crataegi for an extended period. Dale Schweitzer reinstated C. pretiosa as a valid in 1982 based on morphological differences.