Coranarta luteola

Grote & Robinson, 1865

Small Dark Yellow Underwing

Coranarta luteola is a small noctuid native to North America. First described in 1865, it occurs from Alaska and Labrador south through the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, and eastward to Maine. The has a forewing length of 11–12 mm. Its larvae feed on laurels (Kalmia species), while visit flowers, particularly Andromeda polifolia. The species is listed as endangered in Connecticut.

Coranarta luteola by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.Coranarta luteola by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coranarta luteola: /kəʊˈrænaːrtə luːˈtiːəʊlə/

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Identification

A small noctuid with forewings measuring 11–12 mm in length. Distinguished from similar underwing moths (Catocala and related ) by its smaller size and distribution. The specific epithet 'luteola' refers to yellow coloration, likely of the hindwings typical of underwing moths.

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Habitat

forest zones, particularly in areas with laurel understory. Associated with riparian and wetland edges where Kalmia microphylla and Kalmia polifolia occur.

Distribution

North America from Alaska to Labrador. Range extends south to Minnesota and Wisconsin in the Midwest, Maine in the east, and Colorado in the Rocky Mountains. Present in Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and US states including Vermont.

Diet

Larvae feed on laurels, specifically Kalmia microphylla and Kalmia polifolia. feed on flowers, with documented preference for Andromeda polifolia.

Host Associations

  • Kalmia microphylla - larval food plant
  • Kalmia polifolia - larval food plant
  • Andromeda polifolia - nectar sourceparticularly favored by

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on ericaceous shrubs in . of wetland ericaceous plants.

Human Relevance

Listed as endangered in Connecticut, indicating conservation concern at the southern edge of its range. No significant economic impact; not considered a pest .

Similar Taxa

  • Catocala spp.Similar 'underwing' with brightly colored hindwings concealed at rest; Coranarta is smaller and restricted to zones
  • Other Coranarta species contains few ; C. luteola distinguished by distribution and association with Kalmia plants

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Sources and further reading