Catocala desdemona

H. Edwards, 1882

Desdemona underwing

Catocala desdemona, the Desdemona underwing, is a medium-sized in the Erebidae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1882. This was formerly treated as a of Catocala delilah but is now recognized as distinct. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the Catocala. The species has a southwestern North American distribution extending from the United States into Central America.

Catocala desdemona YPM ENT 815479 V by Lazarova, Y. P.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala desdemona YPM ENT 815479 D 01 by Domian, J.. Used under a CC0 license.

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CCI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala desdemona: /ˌkætəˈkeɪlə dɛzˈdɛmənə/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Catocala by geographic range and association with specific plants. Formerly considered with Catocala delilah; separation from that species requires careful examination. The combination of distribution in the southwestern United States and Mexico, association with Quercus gambelii and other oak species, and period in May–June aids in identification.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 60–65 mm. Like other underwing moths, the forewings are dull-colored and serve as camouflage when the is at rest, held together over the back to conceal the hindwings. The hindwings are brightly colored with bold markings, though specific color patterns for C. desdemona are not detailed in available sources.

Habitat

Dry, mixed conifer forests with oaks, at elevations around 7,000 feet based on regional descriptions for the ' range. Associated with areas supporting the larval plants Quercus gambelii (Gambel's oak), Quercus macrocarpa, and Salix.

Distribution

Utah and Arizona, ranging south through New Mexico and Texas, continuing through Mexico to Honduras.

Seasonality

are on wing from May to June, with timing varying by location. One per year is probable.

Diet

Larvae feed on Quercus gambelii (Gambel's oak), Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak), and Salix (willow). diet is not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Quercus gambelii - larval Gambel's oak
Quercus macrocarpa - larval bur oak
Salix - larval willow

Life Cycle

Probably , with one per year. Larval stage feeds on specified plants; and details are not documented.

Behavior

Like other Catocala , are and typically do not come readily to lights, or remain on the periphery of lighted areas when they do appear. They may be found resting on tree trunks during the day, where their cryptic forewings provide camouflage. When disturbed, they flash their colorful hindwings as a startle defense before taking .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on oak and willow . may serve as prey for including bats and birds. Specific role is not documented.

Similar Taxa

Catocala delilahFormerly considered a of C. delilah; now recognized as distinct based on distribution and possibly subtle morphological differences
Other Catocala speciesShares the characteristic underwing color pattern and cryptic forewing with all members of the ; identification to level requires examination of specific markings and geographic context