Catocala louiseae

Bauer, 1965

Louise's underwing

Catocala louiseae, commonly known as Louise's underwing, is a in the Erebidae described by John Bauer in 1965. The is to the southeastern United States, with active in May and sometimes into June. The specific epithet honors Louise Mellon, who funded the Carnegie Museum expedition on which the was collected. The species has been given precedence as a nomen protectum over its senior synonym Catocala protonympha.

Catocala louiseae YPM ENT 766261 V by Sproch, H. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala louiseae YPM ENT 766261 D by Sproch, H. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala louiseae: /ˌkætoʊˈkeɪlə ˌluːɪˈsiːiː/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar Catocala by geographic range and period. Westernmost records historically attributed to this species (west of Alabama) have been reidentified as Catocala bastropi, described in 2017. Accurate identification may require examination of genitalia characters.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan approximately 40 mm. Like other underwing moths, forewings are dull-colored and serve as camouflage when at rest, concealing the more brightly patterned hindwings beneath.

Habitat

Associated with supporting its larval plants, including areas where Vaccinium (blueberries) occur.

Distribution

to the United States. Found from North Carolina south to Florida and west through Alabama. Historical records west of Alabama now attributed to Catocala bastropi.

Seasonality

on wing in May, sometimes extending into June.

Diet

Larvae feed on Vaccinium arboreum and probably other Vaccinium , including at least Vaccinium stamineum. feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

Vaccinium arboreum - larval food plantconfirmed
Vaccinium stamineum - larval food plantprobable

Life Cycle

Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larval stage feeds on plants. Adults emerge in spring.

Behavior

are . Like other Catocala , may be attracted to lights but often remain on the periphery of lighted areas rather than landing directly on sheets.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores on Vaccinium . likely serve as prey for including bats and birds. Role in pollination not documented.

Human Relevance

Named in honor of philanthropist Louise Mellon for her support of scientific collecting expeditions. No significant economic or agricultural impact documented.

Similar Taxa

Catocala bastropiHistorically confused with C. louiseae; western records previously attributed to C. louiseae now assigned to this described in 2017
Catocala protonymphaSenior subjective synonym, now a ; C. louiseae has precedence as nomen protectum

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet louiseae honors 'the late Louise (Mrs. E.P.) Mellon,' who funded the Carnegie Museum of Natural History expedition on which the was collected.

Nomenclatural history

Given precedence as a nomen protectum over Catocala protonympha Boisduval, 1840 per Article 23.9.2 of the International Code of Zoological .