Catocala grotiana

Bailey, 1879

Grote's Underwing Moth, Grote's Underwing

Catocala grotiana is a large underwing in the Erebidae, first described by James S. Bailey in 1879. The is characterized by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to the Catocala. It occurs in the western United States, with documented records from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and areas north and east of California. are active in late summer, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.

Catocala grotiana MGCL 1038909 D by Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala grotiana MGCL 1038909 V by Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala grotiana MGCL 1038876 V by Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala grotiana: //ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ˌɡroʊtiˈɑːnə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by geographic distribution and association with western US . Forewing pattern and hindwing coloration differ from similar underwing species; precise identification may require examination of genitalia or reference to regional keys. The species name honors entomologist Augustus Radcliffe Grote.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan 70–80 mm. Forewings dull-colored, serving as camouflage when at rest. Hindwings brightly colored with bold markings (typical of underwing moths), concealed beneath forewings at rest.

Habitat

Associated with riparian and woodland where plants Populus (cottonwoods, poplars) and Salix (willows) occur. Found in mixed conifer forests with oaks at elevations around 7,000 feet.

Distribution

Western United States: Arizona north through Utah into Colorado. Also recorded in Washington and in areas north and east of California.

Seasonality

on wing from August to September, varying by location. Probably one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Populus and Salix . feeding habits not documented in sources.

Host Associations

  • Populus - larval plantcottonwoods, poplars
  • Salix - larval plantwillows

Life Cycle

Probably (one per year). Larval stage feeds on plants; likely occurs in soil or leaf litter. Specific details of , larval, and pupal stages not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are . Underwing moths typically do not come directly to lights, or remain on the periphery of lighted areas; some individuals may be found resting on tree trunks and flushed during daytime searches.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on woody plants; contributes to nutrient cycling. likely serve as food source for including bats and birds. Specific ecological interactions not documented.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to lepidopterists and enthusiasts. Featured in National Moth Week events and citizen science observations. No documented economic or agricultural significance.

Similar Taxa

  • Catocala aholibahLarger underwing sympatric in Colorado; differs in size and hindwing pattern
  • Catocala verillianaSmaller underwing sympatric in Colorado; differs in size and forewing markings
  • Catocala epioneUnderwing with overlapping range; differs in hindwing coloration and pattern
  • Catocala amestrisUnderwing recorded in southern Colorado; differs in distribution and preferences

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Sources and further reading