Catocala flebilis

Grote, 1872

Mourning Underwing, Mournful Underwing

Catocala flebilis, the mourning underwing, is a in the Erebidae. are medium-sized with a wingspan of 45–65 mm and are active from July to September. The is distinguished by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a characteristic defense mechanism of underwing moths. Larvae feed specifically on Carya glabra and Carya ovata (hickory species).

Catocala flebilis by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala flebilis YPM ENT 447680 V by Lazarova, Y. P.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala flebilis YPM ENT 447680 D by Lazarova, Y. P.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala flebilis: /ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ˈflɛbɪlɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by geographic range and association with hickory plants. Forewing patterns and hindwing coloration differ from similar underwing species; precise identification may require examination of genitalia or reference to regional keys. The 'mourning underwing' reflects the somber appearance of the forewings.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 45–65 mm. Forewings are dull-colored and cryptic, providing camouflage when at rest. Hindwings are concealed beneath the forewings and display bold, colorful patterns typical of underwing moths in the Catocala.

Habitat

Associated with deciduous forests containing hickory trees (Carya ). specificity is tied to larval plant distribution.

Distribution

Eastern North America: Massachusetts and Connecticut south to North Carolina and Georgia, west to Arkansas, north to Michigan and Illinois, and into southern Ontario.

Seasonality

are on wing from July to September, with exact timing varying by location.

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya glabra (pignut hickory) and Carya ovata (shagbark hickory). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Carya glabra - larval food plantpignut hickory
Carya ovata - larval food plantshagbark hickory

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae are specialized feeders on hickory foliage. and details are not documented.

Behavior

are . Like other underwing moths, they typically rest with forewings folded over the back, concealing the brightly colored hindwings. When disturbed, they may flash the hindwings to startle before taking . They are attracted to light, though some underwing remain on the periphery of light stations.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores on hickory trees. may serve as prey for and as potential , though specific ecological contributions are not well documented.

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science observation during National Week and similar events. Of interest to lepidopterists and moth enthusiasts for its distinctive underwing coloration and association with hickory forests.

Similar Taxa

Catocala concumbensSimilar underwing with overlapping eastern North American range; distinguished by different forewing and hindwing patterns
Catocala epioneAnother hickory-associated underwing with similar preferences; differs in wing pattern and geographic distribution
Other Catocala speciesMany underwing moths share cryptic forewing and colorful hindwing ; precise identification requires attention to pattern details and often genitalia examination

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'flebilis' is Latin for 'mournful' or 'lamentable,' reflecting the somber appearance of the forewings. The 'mourning underwing' (or 'mournful underwing') derives from this Latin root.

Taxonomic History

First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. The name Catocala is derived from Greek, meaning 'beautiful below,' referring to the striking hindwings concealed beneath the dull forewings.