Catocala minuta

Edwards, W.H., 1864

Little Underwing

Catocala minuta, commonly known as the little underwing, is a in the Erebidae. The was first described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. It is one of approximately 250 species in the Catocala, which are characterized by dull forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. The larvae feed on species of honey locust (Gleditsia).

Catocala minuta YPM ENT 780325 D by Gahm, K. J.. Used under a CC0 license.

Catocala minuta2 by Joseph Berger. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Catocala minuta 57630949 by Robert Webster. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala minuta: //ˈkætəˌkeɪlə mɪˈnuːtə//

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

Identification

A small underwing with wingspan of 35–45 mm, smaller than many . Distinguished from similar Catocala by size and geographic range, though precise diagnostic features require examination of hindwing pattern and genitalia. The specific epithet 'minuta' refers to its relatively small size within the .

Images

Appearance

Wingspan 35–45 mm. Forewings are dull-colored, providing camouflage when at rest with wings folded. Hindwings are concealed at rest but reveal bold, colorful patterns when wings are spread. Specific coloration of hindwings for this is not detailed in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with supporting its larval plants, honey locust (Gleditsia). Specific habitat preferences of not documented.

Distribution

Eastern and central United States: from New York south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to South Dakota, Indiana, and Michigan.

Seasonality

active from June to August, with timing varying by location. Probably one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Gleditsia aquatica (water locust) and Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust). diet not documented.

Host Associations

Gleditsia aquatica - larval food plant
Gleditsia triacanthos - larval food plant

Life Cycle

Probably (one per year). Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larval stage feeds on plants; details not documented.

Behavior

are and attracted to light. Like other underwing moths, they rest with forewings folded over the back, concealing the hindwings. When disturbed, they may flash the brightly colored hindwings as a startle defense before taking .

Ecological Role

Larvae are herbivores that feed on honey locust trees. may serve as and as prey for including bats, birds, and arthropods. Specific ecological interactions not documented.

Similar Taxa

Catocala verillianaAnother small underwing ; C. minuta distinguished by size and geographic range
Catocala aholibahLarger underwing found in similar ; C. minuta notably smaller
Other Catocala speciesOver 250 in ; identification requires examination of hindwing pattern, size, and genitalia

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'minuta' refers to the relatively small size of this compared to other underwing moths in the Catocala.

Taxonomic history

Described by William Henry Edwards in 1864. The name Catocala is derived from Greek, meaning 'beautiful below', referring to the colorful hindwings concealed beneath the cryptic forewings.