Hodges#8847

Catocala gracilis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Erebinae
Tribe: Catocalini
Genus: Catocala
Species: gracilis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala gracilis: /kəˈtoʊkələ ˈɡræˌsɪlɪs/

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Summary

Catocala gracilis, known as the graceful underwing, is a moth of the family Erebidae, first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. It inhabits various regions across North America and has a wingspan of 40–45 mm. The species is predominantly found in northeastern areas and is dependent on specific larval host plants for its development.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 40-45 mm. Adult forewings are mottled and heavily shaded along the inner margin, usually featuring a basal dash. The hindwing has an inner black band on yellow forms an incomplete loop.

Identification Tips

Look for the mottled forewings and the incomplete loop of the inner black band on the hindwings.

Habitat

Found across various habitats in North America, especially in areas where larval host plants are present.

Distribution

N.S. to Florida, west to Manitoba and Mississippi, common in the northeast but rarer westward.

Diet

The larvae feed on blueberry (Vaccinium), fetterbush (Leucothoe), and oak (Quercus).

Life Cycle

There is one generation per year, with adults on wing from July to September depending on location.