Catocala ilia-umbrosa

Ilia Underwing, Ilia Underwing Moth

ilia-umbrosa is a large in the Catocala, Erebidae. Like other underwing moths, it conceals brightly patterned beneath cryptic at rest. The has been documented at -lighting events in Colorado, including at Bear Creek Nature Center in July 2018. are attracted to ultraviolet lights.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala ilia-umbrosa: /ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ˈɪliə ʌmˈbroʊsə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other by specific pattern details; however, precise diagnostic features for C. ilia-umbrosa versus related underwing species are not detailed in available sources. The Catocala is characterized by the underwing posture: held together over the back at rest, concealing colorful . Species-level identification within Catocala requires examination of hindwing pattern, forewing markings, and often .

Appearance

Large-bodied with that serve as against tree bark, concealing brightly colored . When at rest, forewings are held together over the back, hiding the hindwings beneath. Hindwings display bold coloration typical of the . Specific pattern details for C. ilia-umbrosa are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Documented from wooded areas with trees and shrubs, including nature center settings with landscape plantings. The specific microhabitat preferences of C. ilia-umbrosa are not distinguished from those of related in available sources.

Distribution

Documented from Colorado, USA, specifically from Bear Creek Nature Center in Colorado Springs. The full geographic range is not specified in available sources.

Seasonality

have been observed in July. Specific period details for C. ilia-umbrosa are not distinguished from other in available sources.

Behavior

. are attracted to ultraviolet lights and mercury vapor lights used in surveys. Has been observed remaining at light stations long enough for observers to view, suggesting relatively sedentary once settled.

Ecological Role

likely serve as ; presumably function as , though specific relationships are not documented in available sources. Like other , serves as for including bats, birds, and predatory .

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science observation during National Week events. Attracted to artificial lighting, making it accessible for public observation and photography. No documented economic or medical significance.

Similar Taxa

Catocala iliaClosely related with similar ('Ilia Underwing'); C. ilia-umbrosa may represent a or related form, but taxonomic relationship is not clarified in available sources.
Catocala aholibahAnother large found at the same general location (Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado), distinguished by specific pattern details.
Catocala verillianaSmaller underwing in Colorado, distinguished by size and pattern.

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

The epithet 'ilia-umbrosa' suggests a possible relationship to ilia, or a distinct closely related to it. The precise taxonomic status is not clarified in available sources; some treatments may recognize this as Catocala ilia umbrosa (a subspecies) or as a full species.

Observation Context

The sole documented observation in available sources comes from a National Week event at Bear Creek Nature Center, Colorado Springs, on July 27, 2018, where the moth appeared after rain subsided and remained long enough for public viewing.