Catocala serena

Edwards, 1864

Serene Underwing

Catocala serena, the serene underwing, is a in the Erebidae. It is found in eastern North America from southern Ontario and New England south to Tennessee, and west to Illinois and eastern Wisconsin. are active from July to September with one per year. The larvae feed on shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and black walnut (Juglans nigra).

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CXCIV by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.Catocala serena 49372181 by Peter Waycik. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala serena YPM ENT 563994 D by Baucom, K. M.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala serena: //ˈkætəkələ səˈriːnə//

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Identification

As a member of the Catocala, this possesses cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings when at rest. The hindwing pattern is characteristic of the genus, though specific diagnostic features distinguishing C. serena from other Catocala species are not documented in available sources. The wingspan measures 55–60 mm.

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Habitat

Associated with deciduous forests containing trees, particularly shagbark hickory and black walnut.

Distribution

Southern Ontario, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and eastern Wisconsin.

Seasonality

are on wing from July to September depending on location. One per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) and Juglans nigra (black walnut). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • Carya ovata - larval foodplantshagbark hickory
  • Juglans nigra - larval foodplantblack walnut

Life Cycle

Probably one per year. Specific details of , larval, and pupal stages are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are and attracted to light. Like other Catocala , they likely display the characteristic underwing of flashing brightly colored hindwings when disturbed to startle .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on hardwood trees; likely serve as prey for and may contribute to nutrient cycling as detritus after death.

Similar Taxa

  • Catocala aholibahAnother large Catocala with similar size and underwing ; distinguished by specific hindwing pattern details not specified in available sources
  • Catocala verillianaSmaller Catocala found in similar ; distinguished by smaller wingspan and different hindwing coloration

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Sources and further reading