Catocala meskei

Grote, 1873

Meske's Underwing, Meske's Underwing Moth

meskei is a large in the Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Like other members of the Catocala, it exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern: cryptic, bark-mimicking that conceal brightly colored . The has a transcontinental North distribution spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. are active during mid to late summer, and feed on poplar and willow species.

Lepidoptera, rhopaloceres and heteroceres, indigenous and exotic; with descriptions and colored illustrations (1872) (14754402706) by Strecker, Herman, 1836-1901. Used under a No restrictions license.

Catocala meskei MGCL 1039080 D by Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala meskei MGCL 1039080 V by Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala meskei: //kætoʊˈkɑːlə ˈmɛskeɪ//

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

Identification

As a , C. meskei is identified by the : cryptic hiding brightly patterned . Specific identification requires examination of forewing pattern details, hindwing coloration and banding, and often genitalic dissection. The species is most reliably distinguished from similar underwings by geographic range and association with Populus-Salix plants. C. meskei orion, described from Alberta, is now synonymized and not considered valid.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 65–75 mm. The are typically dull gray- with intricate dark patterning that provides against tree bark. The , concealed at rest, display bold coloration characteristic of —likely including of orange, red, or black (specific hindwing pattern not detailed in sources). The body is and furry, typical of large noctuidoid . , if present, is not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with riparian and woodland where plants (Populus and Salix ) occur. Found in mixed forests, woodlands, and areas with cottonwoods, poplars, and willows. Elevation range includes at least 7,000 feet in southwestern mountains.

Distribution

Transcontinental in North America: from Maine and Quebec west to southern Alberta and Montana; south to South Carolina in the east and at least to Montana in the west. Canadian records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

are on from July to September, with exact timing varying by location. Single-brooded (), with period concentrated in mid to late summer.

Diet

feed on Populus (poplars, cottonwoods) and Salix (willows) . feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

Populus - larval poplars, cottonwoods
Salix - larval willows

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larvae are external feeders on foliage. likely occurs in soil or leaf litter, though specific details not documented. Adults emerge in summer.

Behavior

are and attracted to light, though typically remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets. Adults may also be attracted to fermenting (). When disturbed, adults flash their brightly colored as a startle defense against , then to conceal themselves on tree bark with covering the hindwings.

Ecological Role

function as on riparian trees, contributing to and serving as for and . serve as prey for predators including bats, birds, and . The startle display may indicate aposematic or deimatic defensive function.

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science observation during National Week and similar events. Collected by ; specimens documented in entomological museums including University of Alberta Strickland Museum. No documented economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Catocala aholibahAnother large with overlapping western range; distinguished by specific and pattern differences
Catocala verillianaSmaller underwing found in similar ; overlaps in range and season
Catocala epioneEpione Underwing with overlapping range; distinguished by pattern and markings

More Details

Taxonomic History

The meskei orion, described from Alberta, has been synonymized with the nominate form and is no longer recognized as valid.

Etymology

The specific epithet meskei honors an individual (likely a or colleague of Grote), though the exact namesake is not documented in available sources. The follows standard naming conventions.

Research Status

Basic information remains incompletely documented; larval biology and details would benefit from further study. The is represented in museum collections but is not among the most frequently encountered species in general surveys.