Catocala crataegi

Saunders, 1876

Hawthorn Underwing, Chokeberry Underwing

crataegi is a -sized in the Erebidae, to eastern North America. display the characteristic Catocala pattern of cryptic concealing brightly colored . 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/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by combination of geographic range, period (June–August), and association with Crataegus plants. 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.

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Appearance

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

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

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

Behavior

are . Like other , they typically rest with folded over , 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.

Ecological Role

Larval on woody shrubs and trees. likely serve as for including bats and birds. Specific ecological interactions not well documented.

Human Relevance

Minor potential as pest of cultivated apple (Malus). Subject of interest to and citizen scientists participating in National Week and similar events. No significant economic or medical importance documented.

Similar Taxa

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

More Details

Taxonomic History

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.

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