Catocala grynea

(Cramer, 1780)

Woody Underwing

Catocala grynea, the Woody Underwing, is an underwing in the Erebidae. First described by Pieter Cramer in 1780, this is distributed across eastern and central North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas. are active from May to September, with likely one per year. The larvae feed on woody plants in the rose family.

Catocala grynea by (c) Aaron Carlson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Aaron Carlson. Used under a CC-BY license.Catocala grynea 86979343 by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Catocala grynea P1440428a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala grynea: //ˌkætoʊˈkɑːlə ˈɡrɪniə//

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Identification

As an underwing ( Catocala), C. grynea can be distinguished from other moth genera by its habit of holding forewings together over the back at rest, hiding the colorful hindwings beneath. -level identification within Catocala requires examination of hindwing pattern details, genitalia, or geographic context; specific diagnostic features separating C. grynea from are not provided in available sources.

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Appearance

have a wingspan of 40–50 mm. Forewings are dull-colored, providing camouflage when at rest. Hindwings display the bold, colorful patterning characteristic of underwing moths, though specific coloration details for this are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with containing plants of the rose , including hawthorns, cherries, plums, and apples. The occurs in wooded and semi-open environments across its broad geographic range.

Distribution

Eastern and central North America: from Ontario and Quebec through New England (Maine, Connecticut), south to Florida, west to Texas, and north through Iowa to Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Seasonality

are on wing from May to September, with timing varying by location. There is probably one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Crataegus (hawthorns), Prunus (cherries and plums), and Malus (apples). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Crataegus - larval food planthawthorns
  • Prunus - larval food plantcherries, plums
  • Malus - larval food plantapples

Life Cycle

Probably (one per year). Larval stage feeds on woody plants. details and stage are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Like other underwing moths, typically rest with forewings held together over the back, concealing the hindwings. This posture provides camouflage against tree bark. Specific behavioral observations for this are not documented.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores on woody plants in the rose . likely serve as prey for and may contribute to nutrient cycling as decomposers after death. Specific ecological role documentation is limited.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Catocala speciesAll underwing moths share the characteristic of concealing colorful hindwings beneath dull forewings; -level identification requires detailed examination of pattern, genitalia, or geographic range.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Phalaena grynea by Pieter Cramer in 1780, later transferred to the Catocala.

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Sources and further reading