Catocala faustina

Strecker, 1873

Faustina Underwing

Species Guides

1

Catocala faustina is a western North American underwing in the Erebidae. are medium-sized with a wingspan of approximately 58 mm. The exhibits the characteristic underwing : cryptic, bark-patterned forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, with records from September to October. The larvae feed exclusively on willow species (Salix).

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CXCVI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.Catocala faustina YPM ENT 781556 D by Yale Peabody Museum, Entomology Division. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala faustina YPM ENT 781556 V by Yale Peabody Museum, Entomology Division. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala faustina: //ˌkætəˈkeɪlə fɔˈstiːnə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by geographic range, period, and association with willow plants. Forewing pattern and hindwing coloration differ from sympatric species. C. f. faustina ( nominate) occurs throughout the range; C. f. cleopatra and C. f. allusa are sometimes treated as distinct species. Identification to subspecies requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis.

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Habitat

Riparian corridors, wetlands, and moist woodland edges where willow (Salix) occur. Associated with montane and foothill elevations in western North America.

Distribution

Western North America: United States from Colorado west to California, north through Washington to British Columbia, Canada. Also recorded from Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.

Seasonality

on wing September to October, varying by location and elevation. Single per year ().

Diet

Larvae feed on Salix (willows). feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

  • Salix - larval plantSpecific willow not documented; association is -level.

Life Cycle

Probably one per year. stage not confirmed from available sources. Larval development on willow ; likely occurs in soil or leaf litter.

Behavior

are . Attracted to lights, though underwing moths often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets. Adults may be flushed from daytime resting positions on tree trunks.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on willows; contributes to nutrient cycling in riparian . likely serve as prey for including bats and birds.

Similar Taxa

  • Catocala epioneOverlaps in range; both are western underwing moths but differ in forewing pattern and hindwing coloration.
  • Catocala amestrisOccurs in similar western ; distinguished by wing patterns and more northerly distribution.
  • Catocala aholibahSympatric in some areas; larger size and different hindwing pattern.

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