Catocala illecta

Walker, 1858

Magdalen Underwing

Catocala illecta, commonly known as the Magdalen Underwing, is a in the Erebidae. The was first described by Francis Walker in 1858. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait typical of underwing moths in the Catocala. The larvae feed on specific plants including leadplant, honey locust, and black locust. are active during late spring and early summer, with a single per year.

Catocala illecta 56935911 by Robert Webster. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Catocala illecta P1640408a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala illecta: //ˌkætəˈkeɪlə ɪˈlɛktə//

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Identification

The Magdalen Underwing can be distinguished from other Catocala by its specific geographic distribution and, where observable, details of hindwing coloration and pattern. Accurate identification often requires examination of the concealed hindwings and may necessitate comparison with reference specimens or specialized literature. The species is most likely to be confused with other underwing moths in the same that share similar forewing cryptic patterns.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan measures 60–70 mm. Forewings are dull-colored and cryptic, serving as camouflage when the is at rest. Hindwings are concealed beneath the forewings and display bold, contrasting coloration—typical of underwing moths—though specific pattern details for this are not described in available sources.

Habitat

Inhabits deciduous and mixed forest environments, particularly areas where larval plants occur. Associated with woodland edges, open forests, and riparian corridors where leadplant, honey locust, or black locust grow.

Distribution

North America: south-western Ontario south to Tennessee and South Carolina; west and south to Texas; north through Oklahoma and Kansas to Nebraska, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan.

Seasonality

are on wing from May to July depending on location. One per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Amorpha canescens (leadplant), Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust), and Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust). feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

Amorpha canescens - larval leadplant
Gleditsia triacanthos - larval honey locust
Robinia pseudoacacia - larval black locust

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae feed on specified plants before pupating. Adults emerge in late spring to early summer. Single per year; stage not specified in available sources.

Behavior

are . Like other underwing moths, they typically rest with forewings folded over the back, concealing the brightly colored hindwings. When disturbed, they may flash the hindwings as a startle defense. They are attracted to lights, though underwing moths often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on illuminated sheets.

Other Catocala speciesShare the characteristic underwing with cryptic forewings and colorful hindwings; require careful examination of hindwing patterns and geographic distribution for differentiation.