Catocala dejecta

Strecker, 1880

Dejected Underwing

Catocala dejecta, the Dejected Underwing, is a in the Erebidae. It is found in eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Ontario. have a wingspan of 56–73 mm and are active from June to October, with timing varying by location. The larvae feed on hickories (Carya glabra, Carya ovata) and oaks (Quercus ).

Catocala dejecta by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala dejecta by no rights reserved, uploaded by Alan Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala dejecta by (c) Gordon C. Snelling, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gordon C. Snelling. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala dejecta: //kæˈtoʊkələ dɪˈdʒɛktə//

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Identification

As a member of the Catocala, this has cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The hindwings are typically banded with orange, red, black, or white patterns that are flashed as a startle display when the is disturbed. Specific identification to species level requires examination of wing pattern details, particularly the configuration of bands and spots on the hindwings, and often necessitates reference to specialized keys for underwing moths.

Images

Distribution

Eastern and central North America: Massachusetts and Connecticut south through New Jersey to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Ontario.

Seasonality

are on wing from June to October depending on location.

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya glabra (pignut hickory), Carya ovata (shagbark hickory), and Quercus (oaks). diet not specified in sources.

Host Associations

  • Carya glabra - larval plantpignut hickory
  • Carya ovata - larval plantshagbark hickory
  • Quercus - larval plantoak

Similar Taxa

  • Other Catocala speciesAll underwing moths share the characteristic of cryptic forewings concealing colorful hindwings used in startle displays. Specific differentiation requires detailed examination of hindwing pattern elements.

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Sources and further reading