Catocala jair

Strecker, 1897

Jair underwing, Barrens underwing

jair is a small in the Erebidae, first described by Strecker in 1897. It is restricted to a narrow coastal plain distribution in the southeastern United States, occurring in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, coastal North Carolina, and northern Florida. The has a wingspan of 35–40 mm and are active from May to June, with likely one per year.

Catocala jair by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Catocala jair 41861908 by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Catocala jair YPM ENT 970528 D by Sproch, H. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala jair: //kəˈtɒkələ ˈdʒaɪɚ//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other by small size (35–40 mm wingspan), restricted southeastern coastal plain distribution, and early period (May–June). Specific pattern and markings require examination of specimens for definitive identification; dissection of may be necessary for confirmation.

Images

Habitat

Coastal plain pine barrens and sandy scrub . Associated with oak-dominated vegetation in fire-maintained pine .

Distribution

to southeastern United States coastal plain: New Jersey Pine Barrens, Bladen County coastal plain of North Carolina, and northern half of Florida.

Seasonality

active May to June; likely with one per year.

Diet

feed on Quercus (oak) .

Host Associations

Quercus - larval Specific oak not identified in sources

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larval stage feeds on oak foliage. site unknown. Adults emerge in spring (May–June).

Behavior

are . Like other , likely rests on tree bark with concealing brightly patterned ; may flash hindwings when disturbed as a startle defense. Not strongly attracted to lights compared to some .

Ecological Role

Larval on oaks; contributes to in pine barren . likely serve as for including bats and birds.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to due to restricted range and specificity. Potential for pine barren health. Not known to be of economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Catocala speciesOther share general and ; require examination of size, distribution, period, and for separation
Catocala epioneSimilar small size and early period, but C. epione has broader distribution and different pattern

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described by Strecker in 1897. The 'Barrens underwing' reflects its strong association with pine barren .

Conservation status

Not formally assessed; restricted range and specialized suggest potential vulnerability to habitat loss and fire suppression in pine barren .