Flash-coloration
Guides
Catocalini
underwing moths
Catocalini is a tribe of moths within the family Erebidae, most closely related to the tribe Audeini. Members of this tribe are commonly known as underwing moths due to a distinctive color pattern: cryptic, dark forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. This wing configuration serves as a defensive display against predators. The tribe contains numerous genera and is among the most species-rich groups within Erebinae.
Drasteria
Drasteria is a genus of owlet moths in the family Erebidae. Species in this genus are known for their concealed brightly-colored hindwings, which they flash as a startle defense against predators. The genus includes multiple species distributed across North America and other regions, with some taxonomic revisions having occurred in recent decades.
Poblicia
speckled lanternflies
Poblicia is a genus of large planthoppers in the family Fulgoridae, commonly called speckled lanternflies. The genus was established by Carl Stål in 1866 and currently comprises four species distributed across North and Central America. Members are notably large compared to other planthoppers, combining the hopping capabilities of planthoppers with body size approaching that of small cicadas. The genus is notable for its wary behavior and difficulty of capture.
Poblicia fuliginosa
sumac speckled lanternfly
Poblicia fuliginosa is a large planthopper in the family Fulgoridae, native to the eastern and central United States. Adults are predominantly dark with minute pale speckles on the forewings and a concealed bright red abdomen. The species is strongly associated with sumac (Rhus) species as its primary host plant. Described by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1791, its generic placement was disputed until a 2025 revision confirmed its placement in Poblicia. The species is notable for its exceptional wariness and jumping ability, making it difficult to capture.