Catocala ophelia

Edwards, H., 1880

Ophelia Underwing

Catocala 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 forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala ophelia: /ˌkætoʊˈkeɪlə əʊˈfiːliə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by geographic range and association with dry forests of Arizona, California, and southwestern Oregon. Specific wing 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. Forewings are cryptically colored in muted tones typical of underwing moths, serving as camouflage when at rest. Hindwings display the bold, colorful pattern characteristic of the Catocala, normally concealed beneath the forewings.

Habitat

Dry forests. Associated with oak given larval plant requirements.

Distribution

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

Seasonality

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

Diet

Larvae 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. Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Specific details of site and stage not documented.

Behavior

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

Ecological Role

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

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

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

More Details

Taxonomic History

Former Catocala ophelia dollii has been synonymized with the nominate form.

Conservation Status

Not evaluated; no conservation concerns documented in available sources.

Tags

Sources and further reading