Catocala ulalume

Strecker, 1878

Ulalume Underwing

Catocala ulalume, the Ulalume Underwing, is a North American in the Erebidae, first described by Herman Strecker in 1878. It is one of approximately 250 in the Catocala, commonly known as underwing moths for their habit of concealing brightly patterned hindwings beneath cryptic forewings when at rest. The species is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States, with active during summer months and larvae specializing on hickory plants.

Catocala ulalume YPM ENT 854701 D by Yale Peabody Museum. Used under a CC0 license.Catocala ulalume YPM ENT 854701 V by Yale Peabody Museum. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Catocala ulalume: /kætəˈkɑːlə juˌlɑːluːm/

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

Identification

As an underwing , Catocala ulalume possesses forewings colored in muted gray-brown tones that provide camouflage against tree bark. When disturbed or in , it reveals hindwings typically marked with bold bands of orange, red, black, or white—characteristic of the . The wingspan ranges 60–75 mm. Specific identification to within Catocala requires examination of precise hindwing pattern details, forewing markings, and often genitalia dissection, as many species appear similar in general aspect.

Images

Habitat

Associated with deciduous forest where its larval plant, Carya alba (mockernut hickory), occurs. The occupies woodland edges and interior forests across its range.

Distribution

Southeastern and south-central United States: from Virginia south through Georgia to Florida, westward to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to Illinois.

Seasonality

are on wing from June to September. One per year ().

Diet

Larvae feed on Carya alba (mockernut hickory). feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Carya alba - larval plantmockernut hickory; sole documented

Life Cycle

One per year. active mid-summer. Larval stage feeds on hickory foliage. and details are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Like other Catocala , are and typically do not come readily to light traps, or remain on the periphery of lighted areas. They may be found resting on tree trunks during daylight hours, relying on forewing camouflage. When flushed, they display brightly colored hindwings in a startle defense before taking .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on hickory trees. likely serve as prey for including bats and birds. Specific ecological interactions are not well documented.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest to lepidopterists and enthusiasts. Participates in National Moth Week citizen science events. No documented economic or agricultural significance.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Catocala speciesAll underwing moths share the characteristic concealed bright hindwings and cryptic forewings. Many overlap in distribution and require detailed examination of wing patterns and genitalia for definitive identification.

Tags

Sources and further reading