Catocala herodias

Strecker, 1876

Herodias Underwing, Gerhard's Underwing

herodias is an in the Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1876. The comprises two with disjunct distributions: the nominate form occurs in Texas and Oklahoma, while subspecies C. h. gerhardi ranges from Massachusetts to Virginia. have a wingspan of 55–65 mm and from July to August. The gerhardi subspecies is listed as endangered in Connecticut.

Catocala herodias YPM ENT 745055 V by Yale Peabody Museum, Entomology Division. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala herodias YPM ENT 745055 D by Yale Peabody Museum, Entomology Division. Used under a CC0 license.

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CC by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala herodias: /kæˈtɒkələ hɛˈroʊdiəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by geographic distribution and, for gerhardi, by its northeastern range. Identification to species level typically requires examination of or reference to regional , as many exhibit similar cryptic patterns. The two subspecies are separated by range: herodias in Texas and Oklahoma, gerhardi in the northeastern United States.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 55–65 mm. Like other , the are cryptically colored in muted and grays for against tree bark. The , concealed at rest, display bold coloration typical of . Specific pattern details for C. herodias are not described in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with oak-dominated . The nominate occurs in Texas and Oklahoma. Subspecies gerhardi inhabits areas from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York to Virginia, where it is associated with scrub oak habitats supporting its larval plants.

Distribution

North America. The nominate herodias herodias is found in Texas and Oklahoma. Subspecies Catocala herodias gerhardi occurs from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York south to Virginia. GBIF records confirm presence in North America.

Seasonality

are on from July to August, with timing varying by location. There is probably one per year.

Diet

feed on Quercus ilicifolia (scrub oak) and Quercus rubra (northern red oak). feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Quercus ilicifolia - larval scrub oak
Quercus rubra - larval northern red oak

Life Cycle

Probably , with one per year. emerge in mid-summer. Complete details including , larval, and pupal stages are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are . Like other , they typically rest with folded over the back, concealing the brightly colored . When disturbed, they may flash the hindwings to startle before taking . Underwing moths generally do not come readily to lights, or remain on the periphery of lighted areas.

Ecological Role

function as on oak . may serve as for including bats and birds. Specific ecological roles are not well documented.

Human Relevance

herodias gerhardi is listed as endangered in Connecticut, making it a of concern in that state. The species is of interest to and enthusiasts, particularly during National Moth Week events.

Similar Taxa

Other Catocala speciesMany share similar cryptic patterns and require careful examination or dissection for definitive identification. Geographic range is a distinguishing feature for C. herodias.
Catocala herodias gerhardi / C. h. herodiasThe two are distinguished by geographic range: gerhardi in the Northeast, herodias in Texas and Oklahoma. They may differ in minor morphological features, but subspecific identification relies primarily on locality.

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: herodias herodias Strecker, 1876 (Texas and Oklahoma) and Catocala herodias gerhardi Barnes & Benjamin, 1927 (Massachusetts to Virginia). The latter is endangered in Connecticut.

Etymology

The specific epithet herodias refers to Herodias, a figure from biblical and classical sources. The 'Gerhard's Underwing' honors the subspecific epithet gerhardi.