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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 24, 2018 6:46:59 GMT
Here we have another species which is somewhat different in that it shows a gradation of color from lighter "typical" examples to those exhibiting darker bolder markings which suffuse the lighter shades by at least 60% (in some specimens). This is the Bride Underwing (Catocala neogama). Described by Smith in 1797; it is one of our earliest named species. This is probably due to it's large size, brilliant orange color, and relative common status. Although, to be honest I've never seen or found this species quite as commonly as say C. ilia... It remains a consummate favorite of mine (among favorites); and it most assuredly ranks as one of the most thickly coated (or hair covered) species which I encounter. Summer nights in temperate regions can cool down surprisingly (sometimes); so this species seems to have evolved a particularly thick pile of hair for such occasions. Much more so than most... Below, you can clearly see from top to bottom how this species varies in it's appearance. Suffusing of lighter colors thru bolder/darker markings found within Catocala neogama. While this species itself does not show as dramatic a change or difference in individuals as could be seen in the previous species Catocala ilia; it still remains a curious and yet more subtle change when viewed across several specimens. As I come across other species exhibiting notable variation I will post them for your viewing pleasure.
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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 24, 2018 7:47:29 GMT
On the topic of sugaring for Catocala I just wanted to reiterate that with these moths on any given night there always remains an "air of uncertainty" as to what you may find or how much or little of it. Many things can work for or against your very best efforts. There are no absolutes except, that you "absolutely have to keep on trying" to have any measure of success. Below, I have posted a picture of 4 species which I collected up late one evening last summer after a long day at the job... I came home to a rather humid "muggy" evening which usually tends to keep most of the neighbors indoors. I went down to the basement to change out of the work clothes when I spied a jar of some left over sugaring bait which I still had on hand from a night out (3 weeks earlier). I went out to the backyard and slathered the sticky odorous mixture on just 7 nearby trees. I then had dinner and heard about the family's day and then went out to take a look. To my surprise, 2 Catocala species in brand new "fresh hatch" uniforms greeted me with not a care. They were too busy enjoying the sumptuous repast I had laid out for them. A little while later, I made a second round and low and behold 2 more different species had arrived. I would have loved to keep on doing this all night but, alas the job the next morning called to me and I had to call it a night. All told I only had about 1 hour and a 1/2 to collect anything. Yes, I only managed to get these 4 specimens/species along with about 10 other various moths. I didn't see any other Catocala (duplicates or otherwise) but, I felt rich in that not only were all the specimens fresh hatches; I actually collected a species new for me which is the 2nd one in the column: The Dejected Underwing (Catocala dejecta). Four "nice" ones... 1. Catocala neogama 2. Catocala dejecta 3. Catocala epione 4. Catocala lacrymosa
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Post by trehopr1 on Apr 26, 2018 5:44:53 GMT
One of our "Black" species of Catocala is especially notable for it's wide variation and forms. The Tearful Underwing (Catocala lacrymosa) is an elegant species with hind wings of a "pitch black" color which are trimmed with a pure white fringe (when fresh). The forewings may appear dark grey with some brown tones and minimal black shading (typical examples), marbled (in light grey/black) with minimal brown tones, or bi-color with the (grey/black) forming "varying zones". The distinctive tear-like markings (for which the species is named) are located along the trailing edge of the forewings and are usually (white) among "typical" examples but, can be virtually obscured by black coloration/shading in extreme examples. There are presently at least 3 named "forms". They are "evelina", "paulina", and "zelica". Others I am unaware of may exist as well... One can also find intermediates (from time to time) between the forms. Below, I have posted a photograph showing just a "sampling" of the possibilities within this remarkable species! Sample Variation within the Tearful Underwing (Catocala lacrymosa) The 1st column (top specimen) is of a "typical" example most commonly encountered. The (bottom specimen) of the 1st column and the (top specimen) of the 2nd column illustrate the "marbled variation" which I mentioned earlier in my discussion. Funny, both happen to be females... The remaining 3 illustrate the varying degrees of "bi-color variation" which I also made mention of earlier. The most extreme variation which I have thus far encountered is the (bottom specimen) of the 3rd column. That one really "knocks it out of the park" ! As you can see I am diligent in seeking out fresh, wild captured, and relatively un-damaged stock for my collection. I have seen too many collections with "shabby" looking stock and half-baked attempts at preparation! These moths are quite beautiful in their own right; and it only takes a measure of "patient" preparation and "careful" resourcing for anyone to get the same results.
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Post by Paul K on Apr 26, 2018 14:31:41 GMT
Trehopr1, your preparation of the specimens is of the highest standart and always pleasant to look at. I always try to achieve the same results too, but it is very hard on previously dried specimens, the antennas ( mostly in noctuidae and Geometridae)and legs are not to flexible as fresh material and even wings sometimes cause the troubles. Your series are not mass production but carefully selected from the best possible over the years. Thank you for sharing them here.
Paul
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Post by louisianacurmudgeon on Jun 25, 2018 14:38:53 GMT
Here are images of Catocala muliercula. I have observed and experienced during three years, (tremendous population numbers) outbreaks of this species during the 36 years I have lived at this location: The Abita entomological study site, in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This location is well known as the one single site across all of the continent of North America most surveyed of any location, for it endemic and non-endemic insect populations. To date 389 entomological publications have been already published documenting this research, most concerning hundreds of different species of lepidoptera, including new species descriptions, genus revisions, new state and new US records, but more importantly, never before documented phenology information under natural conditions concerning many hundreds of different species. Back to C. muliercula, here at my home location, this species was captured during three years in numbers exceeding 30,000 adults during just the single month of June, all three years. Here is a jpg comparison of normal muliercula color and maculation, and two very different appearing aberrants all three captured at the same location. Attachments:
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Post by louisianacurmudgeon on Jun 25, 2018 14:47:30 GMT
Most noteworthy was in 1986 when approximately 4,000 specimens of Catocala muliercula were collected each and every day during the month of June using five light traps and eight bait traps. This species was so very common that specimens by the dozens could be flushed from leaf liter simply by taking a few steps. Also, specimens could be seen by the dozens on flowers of the titi tree, Cyrilla racemiflora L. in glaring sunlight throughout the day. Bait traps emptied in the morning with as many as 300 specimens taken overnight, again captured two to three dozen specimens by mid-afternoon. At these times when the population increases, the reported foodplant, waxmyrtle, Myrica cerifera L. was noted to be stripped completely of its leaves on every plant in the area. Here is the phenogram from my species account in 2000 about this species in Louisiana. Attachments:
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 21, 2018 5:29:18 GMT
It has been a while since I added something of substance to this thread. Well, after all collecting season came along and I succumbed to the temptation of adding new things to my collection. Anyway, this fine drawer of fair damsels represents some of my "special stock" collected over these last 15 years. Everything here has been wild caught by me and is either ex-pupa or A- at the worst. I have 3 more drawers of finery just like this. I also have an additional 5 drawers of carefully selected "secondaries" or A2 stuff which is still descent material I have decided to keep as well. I don't keep any baldies, big chippers, or worn out specimens. The first two columns are Catocala lacrymosa. The third and partial fourth columns are Catocala ilia. The fifth column is Catocala neogama. That one continues on into the next drawer. All told, my modest Catocala collection at present has a touch over 300 mounted specimens. I collected and prepared every one of them. A labor of love. I don't think of myself necessarily as being a "rabid" enthusiast of these moths; as I still admire butterflies first and foremost. However, I have always found these a far easier quarry to encounter and collect than those sun loving active butterflies. I have collected my Catocala's largely by way of Mercury Vapor lights or a bait trail of trees (sugaring for moths). I have found a small number walking around forest trees (in the daytime) as they try to blend in on tree trunks ! My color keyed labels indicate to me immediately what month of the summertime a specimen was collected. Green for June, Yellow for July, Orange for August, and finally Red for September.
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 22, 2018 1:25:08 GMT
Here I have posted 5 of our black underwing species. Out of the 115 or so Catocala species present and accounted for here in the U.S.; only 19 species have black hind wings. That makes these fellows a pretty cool thing to come across amongst the herd of colorful species. Some species can be quite hard to come by --- even downright rare ! There are many places in the Eastern U.S. where you might be hard pressed to collect more than 1 or 2 species in a given area. Listed in order of appearance ( top to bottom) Catocala andromedae (Andromeda underwing/Gloomy underwing) Catocala epione (Epione underwing) Catocala flebilis (Mournful underwing) Catocala residua (Residua underwing) Catocala lacrymosa (Tearful underwing) I find these "darkies" rather appealing in their own right because, their color is so unusual as compared to the many colorful ones. Are they necessarily prettier? Not really. Just different...
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Post by nomad on Aug 22, 2018 9:11:38 GMT
Very nice specimens as usual and excellent setting. Are there Catocala collectors that have captured all the 115 US species? What reference work to you use to identify your Catocala captures.
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Post by jshuey on Aug 22, 2018 13:02:21 GMT
Marbled Underwing (Catocala marmorata) Edwards 1864 The picture above is that of a friends specimen which he collected in Southern Illinois on July.25.1992 It is the only known record thus far for the state...The species is fairly common right across the Wabash River in Indiana. Look for Illinois habitats that include Swamp Cottonwood - which is the likely host. Bottomland hardwoods such as along the Cache River, Beall Woods, or hardwoods along the Little Wabash River seem likely. Adults rest on large white oaks (overcup oak in Indiana) during the day and can be flushed by tapping. john
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Post by trehopr1 on Sept 16, 2019 7:42:20 GMT
Two of our "boldest" colored species of Catocala present here on the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. are the Darling Underwing (Catocala cara) and the Carissima Underwing (Catocala carissima). Both species exhibit what I believe to be the brightest if not boldest "pink" coloration of any Catocala present here. Initially, both species were named years apart with "cara" being named by Guenee (1852) and later 'carissima" named by Hulst (1880). But, then some years later carissima was sunk to (subspecies) status: Catocala cara carissima whilst "cara" remained a full species. At some point, in these more modern times someone looked at the two much more closely and raised "carissima" back to full species status. Though the two may look superficially similar "carissima" is generally a larger species visually and the pink coloration is quite different. Not to mention of coarse, the presence of visible yellowish apical patches at the forewing tips. Additionally, both species (to the best of my knowledge) do not co-exist with each other. Carissima is a species of our Gulf Coast states; being found from Florida/Georgia across the coast states to Texas. Cara on the other hand, is found all over our Northeastern States from Maine all the way across the Great Lakes States to at least Oklahoma. It appears to reach southward only perhaps as far as Kentucky. It is quite widespread in its range and yet it is what I consider a "localized' species where found. If for example, you happen to live in an area rich in its primary food source Black Willow you may do quite well in capturing a fine series. However, it is otherwise a rather tough and infrequent customer to run across as it does not seem to arrive at lights as other Catocala do and sugaring tends to be very "hit and miss". As for coloration the two are simply breathtaking when fresh. Cara has a coloration of pink most similar to "Fuscia" pink. Bright and yet with depth. Carissima can be best described as "a bold salmon pink" with depth... I would wager that anyone collecting fresh examples of either would hold these in high regard. They are just that nice ! My first photo shows an example of Catocala cara which I personally collected. And despite my best efforts my photo simply does not convey the color and depth the actual specimen possesses. The second photo is of my only extant example of Catocala carissima which was collected in Mississippi. It was acquired through a trade with a fellow member (jhyatt) Thank You John! and is very much prized by me for being such a grand example. Again, I only wish my photo could convey the true boldness of the salmon-pink and its associated depth... As to the forewings, carissima's are much more brownish overall in varying shades whilst cara's are blacker overall with faint grayish patches. I have also read a couple of accounts stating that "cara" is a species which seems to favor protected places such as caves and the undersides of bridges. Though, I myself have looked and have not as yet seen any...
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jhyatt
Aurelian
Posts: 224
Country: U.S.A.
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Post by jhyatt on Sept 16, 2019 13:58:05 GMT
John, I bet there's another food plant for C. marmorata besides swamp cottonwood. In July 2018 we took four marmorata at at least 4800' on Unaka Mtn. in eastern TN, and Eric Smith has taken a number in the high elevations of the NC mountains near here too. No swamp or bottomland anything on those ridgetops!
Cheers, jh
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Post by trehopr1 on Mar 30, 2020 19:05:35 GMT
Recently, I pulled together another case featuring "Variety within the Catocala species". This second case is just an extension of a previous one which I have shown. I tend to show these to friends and family so that they may realize that though some things may look superficially alike; they are indeed very different when cross compared in a setting such as this. Below, is my latest gathering... In the photograph below is my previous case. As it turns out I do have 4 species in my latest case which overlap with the first. Those are C.cara, C.habilis, C.relicta, and C.grynea. However, I was just not willing to partially dismantle the first case to incorporate other duplicates which I later came across. I am quite pleased with both comparative cases and my latest creation does highlight some species I could not fit in the first one. Between, the 2 cases I exhibit 21 species which may be found here in the Eastern half of the U.S.; there are a great many more... I have had a long-running fondness for these moths since I was 8 or 9 years old (when I was "startled" by the first one which I accidentally encountered) ! Many of these are quite beautiful in their own right when fresh; and they certainly have a certain "cult status" amongst many American lepidopterists/hobbyists. Hope you enjoy my comparative Catocala cases. The rest of mine are stored in drawer fashion in rows as pictured in a previous post above.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 7:08:05 GMT
Well, it is now midsummer here in the Great Lakes states region. Enthusiasts on our sister forum are finally reporting species occurrences for sorted Catocala species. One young fellow (mothman27) has reported a tally thus far of 13 species from Indiana. Another from further Northeast (rayrand) has reported 21 species thus far. Having read of these accounts I have been once again "spurred" to "get out among them" as Leptraps has lamented... Now, whilst "lighting" for moths is relatively easy work and "sugaring" for moths is involved; I have been known to sometimes employ a more un-conventional method in locating and collecting the elusive Catocala for which I have a dedicated thread here... A few folks on the other forum employ what they call "tree tapping" for Catocala. And whilst some lay claim to having SOME measure of success in finding Catocala; just how many specimens percentage-wise are actually caught is questionable... The idea with this method is to "startle" the resting moths into flight in the hopes the fleeing moths will quickly light on a nearby tree within reach. It is a gamble but, I can see the possibilities for capture. I also see a lot simply flying off never to be seen or of startled moths landing impossibly high on a tree and out of reach ! My "counter-method" of daytime Catocala collecting is what I term "tree looking". I instead, employ stealthy approach mixed with a search pattern in my mind of anything non-conforming to a tree barks pattern. Catocala are good indeed at "blending in -- in plain sight" but, they are not perfect to a seasoned collector ! Today, I went out "tree looking" for Catocala and enjoyed the adrenaline rush of possible finds... Below, I offer up a photo of one such find ! Looking at the photograph can you spot my quarry on the bark of this tree ? My net stands nearby just in case he abruptly takes flight before I can place a jar over him... Catocala are indeed elusive moths. They are part of the natural fabric of woodland haunts. They carry on their lives -- finding mates, breeding, an eventually dying; all within the shadows of their forested realm. Only a very few sharp eyed predators will ever actually snatch one up as food whilst the greater majority go about resting on the cool, damp, moss covered side of a forest tree awaiting the night... Below, I provide a closer look of my prospective capture ! Do you see him yet? Over time, using my un-conventional method I have found that resting Catocala always favor the "shaded" side of any given tree. It's cooler there with shadows and even shrubbery to help conceal their whereabouts. Should a ray of sunlight "creep around to their location"; they are off and looking for another spot. Should an ant or Daddy-longlegs go wandering by they also "high-tail" it for a more a peaceful resting place. They seem to like their privacy ! Have you spotted the elusive Catocala yet ? Here he is in close-up... My image tho' slightly blurred shows him clearly resting. I was trying to do this photo thing whilst all the time trying NOT to accidentally startle him ! Once, I do locate one of these lovelies I stealthily work my way around him and into a position where I can readily place a jar over it without preferably "startling" him in the process. If all goes well and according to plan then "Waa-laa" we have a Catocala... So, for those of you unaccustomed with collecting Catocala in the daylight or those with a flair for the unconventional I suggest "tree-looking"... Wear long pants whilst in the wood, keep a sharp eye, and carry out some Catocala "sleuthing" of your own. The woods are now alive with the drumbeat of nature. So ends another discussion of something entomological.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 27, 2020 7:24:02 GMT
Another caveat of "hunting" for Catocala during the daylight hours is the chance encounter of finding them in one of man's purpose built shelters. Over here, in America many forest preserves, picnic groves, and nature reserve areas offer visitors shelters such as this pictured below to have a shady picnic, a small gathering of friends, or a place to even read a book and commune with nature for a while... Of coarse, we are not the only ones to visit such a weigh station in the wilderness and some visitors such as ants, wasps, and spiders may even call it home. Now, these somewhat cooler shaded spaces can (when necessary) also serve as a "Catocala shelter" for those individuals unable to find a suitable resting spot near daybreak ! Also, I believe that Catocala resting within a certain proximity of such a structure use these as sort of a "quick getaway maneuver" should they be disturbed on their tree bark locality. Once lighted here they may stay the remainder of the day until nightfall; or at least until something else disturbs them ! I have to say that as a "small game" hunter I have experienced some "fair" success in investigating these darkened voids or hollows of man's own making. When I do discover Catocala hiding in the ramparts of these structures I usually find anywhere between 1-5 resting here. Catocala are loners and like their privacy however, danger for them still lurks here in the way of spiders who may be quite brash in ambling about looking for lunch... Well, that is one spider that is going to go hungry a little longer because another "small game" hunter seized his prey ! After my visit here it was back onto the woodland hiking trail in search of possibly more daytime resting Catocala. Every tree trunk has possibilities both big and small. Just walk softly, no big movements, and keep a sharp eye on that shady side of the tree... Good Hunting !
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