Catocala ophelia

Edwards, H., 1880

Ophelia Underwing

ophelia is a in the Erebidae, commonly known as the Ophelia Underwing. It inhabits dry forests in the southwestern United States. are active from July to October with likely one per year. The exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of dull concealing brightly colored .

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CC by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.Catocala ophelia YPM ENT 565108 V by Diebold, M.. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala ophelia YPM ENT 565108 D by Diebold, M.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala ophelia: /ˌkætoʊˈkeɪlə əʊˈfiːliə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by geographic range and association with dry forests of Arizona, California, and southwestern Oregon. Specific patterns and markings require examination of specimens or high-quality images for definitive identification. Former C. ophelia dollii is now considered a synonym.

Images

Appearance

Wingspan approximately 52 mm. are cryptically colored in muted tones typical of , serving as when at rest. display the bold, colorful pattern characteristic of the , normally concealed beneath the forewings.

Habitat

Dry forests. Associated with oak given larval requirements.

Distribution

Southwestern United States: Arizona, California, and southwestern Oregon.

Seasonality

active July to October, varying by location. Likely one per year.

Diet

feed on Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak) and Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak). feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

  • Quercus macrocarpa - larval bur oak
  • Quercus chrysolepis - larval canyon live oak

Life Cycle

Probably one per year. with , larval, pupal, and stages. Specific details of site and stage not documented.

Behavior

. Attracted to light. Exhibits typical of flashing brightly colored when disturbed, then settling with closed to resume cryptic appearance.

Ecological Role

Larval stage functions as on oak . likely serve as for including bats and birds. Specific ecological interactions not documented.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to and enthusiasts. Participates in National Moth Week events as part of the charismatic group. No documented economic or agricultural significance.

Similar Taxa

  • Catocala verillianaOverlapping range and ; both found in southwestern dry forests. Requires examination of patterns for separation.
  • Catocala aholibahSimilar size and preferences in western North America. Distinguished by specific coloration and pattern details.
  • Other Catocala speciesMany share similar cryptic appearance; definitive identification requires comparison of patterns and geographic context.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Former ophelia dollii has been synonymized with the nominate form.

Conservation Status

Not evaluated; no concerns documented in available sources.

Tags

Sources and further reading