Catocala parta

Guenée, 1852

Mother Underwing Moth, Mother Underwing

Catocala parta, the mother underwing, is a North American in the Erebidae. are active from August to September and possess a wingspan of 70–78 mm. The exhibits the characteristic underwing pattern of cryptic forewings concealing brightly colored hindwings. Larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.

Catocala parta by (c) nuthatchnicole, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by nuthatchnicole. Used under a CC-BY license.Annual report of the Fruit Growers' Association of Ontario, 1897 (1898) (19358271482) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CXCVI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala parta: /ˈkætəkələ ˈpɑrtə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Catocala by specific forewing pattern and hindwing coloration. The combination of size (70–78 mm wingspan), geographic range, and August–September period aids identification. Forewing pattern details and hindwing coloration require comparison with similar underwing species. Examination of genitalia may be necessary for definitive identification.

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Habitat

Associated with riparian and woodland where plants Populus and Salix occur. Found in mixed forests, forest edges, and areas with cottonwood, willow, and aspen.

Distribution

North America: Nova Scotia south to Maryland and Kentucky, west to southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, western Montana, and Utah.

Seasonality

active August to September, with timing varying by location.

Diet

Larvae feed on Populus and Salix (poplars, willows, and related trees). diet not documented.

Host Associations

  • Populus - larval food plantLarvae feed on poplar
  • Salix - larval food plantLarvae feed on willow

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larval stage feeds on plants. Adults emerge in late summer. Specific details of site and stage not documented.

Behavior

are . Like other underwing moths, typically rests with forewings folded over the back, concealing the brightly colored hindwings. When disturbed, may flash hindwings to startle before .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on woody plants. may serve as prey for and as potential . Specific ecological interactions not well documented.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to lepidopterists and enthusiasts. Participates in National Moth Week events as part of the spotlighted Catocala. No documented economic importance.

Similar Taxa

  • Catocala aholibahSimilar size and ; distinguished by specific forewing and hindwing patterns
  • Catocala verillianaOverlapping range and period; smaller size and different wing patterns
  • Catocala amestrisSimilar underwing ; distinguished by geographic distribution and wing pattern details
  • Catocala epioneOverlapping western range; distinguished by specific hindwing coloration and pattern

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Sources and further reading