Catocala: The Fair Damsels of a Summers Night.

[trehopr1]

Catocala moths (known as underwings) are quite beautiful and yet shy creatures of the night. My interest in them was first "sparked" when I was a young lad of 8 years old. I accidentally "flushed" one out into the open from an overhanging eave as I passed beneath it to enter a neighbor's yard to retrieve a ball. The sudden "flash" of color along with it's large size left me wondering what I had just experienced! How had I not noticed this creature? Was it perhaps some well camouflaged butterfly like a Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa); which by then I had come to know --- or something else... Arriving at my home later that day I immediately began leafing through my only 2 insect books (at the time) for answers. I found just one illustration with wording beneath saying: an underwing moth.
Well, at least I had found out what it was I had seen. I would have to keep a sharper eye out for this kind of moth going forward. Approximately, two years later while on a visit at our local zoo I wandered into a small bookstore which was present. It was there that I would find a re-printed edition of W.J.Holland's moth book. My eyes boggled... The plates were stunning (to me as a kid) and there were many underwing moths shown. Eventually, I would capture my first underwing but, it would still be some time before I would find a method to collect them with greater success; still they intrigued me...
North America has been graced with a cornucopia of Catocala species. Through the tireless efforts of enthusiastic collectors and taxonomists alike; we have seen at least 115 species named here thus far! This number represents nearly half of all the known species worldwide. Our 1st species (Catocala epione) was described/named by Drury in 1773. That's 3 years before this country would gain it's independence and become a nation unto itself. Fast forward to 2016 and Catocala are still being named here... Our 2 latest species were both described that year by (Borth & Kons). They are Catocala slotteni (Florida Gulf Coast) and Catocala ventura (California).
The bulk of our species are found in about 1/3 of the country. This includes our entire Eastern Seaboard and than west across the Central Plains States to the foothills of the Rockies. However, following a line from Montana straight down to New Mexico and further west; relatively few Western Catocala species are known. By my count some 22 species have been described from this Western Faunal Region. Additionally, at least another 17 Eastern species have colonised this Western Region (to various extents) via our desert Southwest States or by way of the great Canadian north woods.
Catocala are single brooded here so the window for catching them is rather narrow. Some of the more localized and/or specific needs species may come and go before you even get the chance to catch just one! Overall, they begin to appear about mid-June and roll on to mid or late September when they are pretty much finished. Some species are early summer kinds while others will be seen more mid or late summer... Collecting them runs the gamut of being anywhere from dirt common at times (certain species); to being very localized and a downright "rarity" to encounter.
The methods used to catch them are varied and results (good or bad) are affected by: humidity, drought, a full moon, choice of lighting, or mixture of bait! Even a "hard" spring which is too wet or cold may affect their summer numbers. To quote one enthusiast (Jtaylor) from the other forum... he remarked once: "I don't think I will ever understand Catocala or Women". Such can be the frustration or quandary of collecting Catocala with any measure of success. They are "confounding" creatures at times to hunt/collect and yet their subtle beauty and variety of species continues to lure admirers new and seasoned.
Below, I will highlight a few of these truly delightful moths. They do have something of a cult status here among diehard moth collectors so a number of species have come to have named "forms" known to avid enthusiasts.

[trehopr1]

Sweetheart Underwing
(Catocala amatrix) Hubner 1813

The common name for this species is most appropriate; as it is a real "sweetheart" of a species to capture! It is (on average) I think our largest "pink" species at 84-85mm. Females are slightly larger than males and with stockier bodies.The gorgeous pink coloration varies from salmon (as pictured) to that of scarlet pink. A named form (selecta) lacks the darker band present on the forewings of most typical examples. It can be found across most of the Eastern Seaboard states as well as the better part of the Central Plains states. It has reached as far west as Arizona and Utah. It is generally a widespread species though (I have never found it often enough or in enough numbers to consider it common). I think of it as our "quintessential" underwing species... 

[trehopr1]

Beloved or Wife Underwing
(Catocala ilia) Cramer 1775

This species remains one of our most common and yet "variable" underwings. There are at least 2 named forms (Conspicua, Satanas). The wingspan usually runs between 77-82mm. It can range in color from light orange to a deep red. It is a powerful flier... It "owns" our Eastern Seaboard states and has some spotty recordings from the Mid-Central states. However, by way of our Gulf Coast and desert Southwest states this resilient species (whose larvae feed on various oak species) has colonized California and has been found as far north as Southern Washington. Another one of our earliest named species; it was named by Cramer just 1 year before we became a nation! I'd call this species common throughout it's vast range but, it's variable forewings and variable hindwing color still makes it interesting and worth collecting a series of.

[trehopr1]

Tearful Underwing
(Catocala lacrymosa) Guenee 1852

I believe this species gets it's common name from the two tear-like "hash marks" present on the trailing edge of each forewing. It is quite variable in color on it's forewings hence, it has at least 3 named forms (Evelina, Paulina, Zelica). It's hindwings also vary in shades of black with some specimens appearing as "black as pitch" whilst others look to be more brownish/black. A generally large species; it can measure up to 85mm (as pictured). I have found this species quite common at times and in places. It is sheer delight to find fresh hatch examples with "not a scratch" on that elegant black! A favorite of mine whenever I find it; it is just 1 of 19 "Black Catocala" species present on our Eastern seaboard.

[trehopr1]

Relict or White Underwing
(Catocala relicta) Walker 1858

This North American species needs no introduction. It simply stands out from all others... It is a species of our Upper Great lakes region as well as our Upper Northeastern states. It is found across the Great Canadian North woods and has worked it's way southward from there with recordings from several Western states. There are at least 2 forms recognized (Clara/with largely white forewings) and (Phrynia/with more salt+pepper appearance). There is so much variability and beauty here that I could see myself casing up 2 drawers of this species before I'd have my fill! It's color as one could well imagine blends in perfectly on any birch tree it rests on. The larvae are known to feed on birches, populars, willows, and some oaks. It is surely a "prize" wherever it is found... Magnificent.

[trehopr1]

Woody Underwing
(Catocala grynea) Cramer 1779

Here is one of our smaller yet, quite lovely species with a wingspan between 45-50mm. It's hindwings are generally a "bright orange"; whilst it's forewings bear varying shades of grey with rich brown tones to give this species a "woodsy" kind of feel. Found over much of our Eastern seaboard (except extreme south); it is always a pleasant sight but, seemingly localized and never overly common or in numbers. A splendid find!

[trehopr1]

Sad Underwing
(Catocala maestosa) Hulst 1884

This grand species ranks as the largest of our "black" underwings. My specimen pictured measures in at 95mm. I have seen one slightly larger. This one is fully 10 mm larger than my biggest (C. lacrymosa). This grey/black giant is found throughout our southern states and Northward into Illinois/Ohio/Pennsylvania. The larvae feed on walnut and hickory (some prime real estate)! Coincidentally, that also happens to be the food of choice for the Royal Walnut Moth (Citheronia regalis); and look how big that species can get with some females exceeding 6 inches / 15+cm. Super food? Could be. I have always found this species localized and mostly uncommon with only one or two showing up at any one time (sheet or bait). I do like the way in which some grey coloration encroaches upon the lovely black of the hindwings. It is the apex in size for our 19 black species of the East.

[trehopr1]

Ermine Underwing
(Catocala sappho) Strecker 1874

This awesome species is another real "standout" among Catocala in it's own right! It is one of at least 13 species of Catocala named by Hermann Strecker; one of our great turn of the century lepidopterists. There is nothing else quite like it. The color of the forewings can vary from a "snowy" white to a more light grey (smoky) hue. The large rust colored reniform spot present may also be entirely black. The hindwings also vary from being "pitch black" to brownish/black. Pecan trees are said to be the favored host of Catocala sappho. It remains for most of us a rare and "holy grail" type of species. It is a denizen of our Appalachian states with recordings in both Missouri and Mississippi as well. Measuring in at 62-75mm it is a medium to largish species.
I myself have had the good fortune of having picked up this species in Southern Illinois on at least 4 occasions where it has not been recorded in at least 110 years.

[trehopr1]

Marbled Underwing
(Catocala marmorata) Edwards 1864

Ah' the Marbled underwing --- largest of our "Red" species and much coveted by anyone lucky enough to catch one. Measuring in at 95mm/3.7in.; it matches Catocala maestosa (largest black species) in size/proportion. Apparently, a very localized species with specific needs; it's records indicate a good showing in the Carolina's with some strays reporting in from (Kentucky, So.Indiana, and So.Ohio). Regarded by avid enthusiasts as a "Holy Grail" among Catocala; it is revered, respected, and very much envied by all those who may never see or find one!

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...

[trehopr1]

Brou's Underwing
(Catocala atocala) Brou 1985

Lastly, I give you Brou's Underwing moth. This one is yet another marvelous one of a kind species which cannot be confused with anything else. Our own forum member (vabrou) described this species himself from Louisiana in 1985. Judging from it's range map it's quite localized haunts seem to be the Louisiana/Mississippi Delta region and up north following the Mississippi river. The specimen pictured is mine and is the first of but, two collected by me over a 9 year period in Southern Illinois. I picked up this A2 on Aug.08.1999; with a later "fresh hatch" specimen coming along 2 years later.

My friend who owns the C. marmorata (on the above post) tried some real tough convincing coupled with a trade to secure my A1 "fresh hatch" specimen from me. However, it worked out well to the delight of both of us... A gem of a species which is regarded as a "grail" by avid enthusiasts.

[trehopr1]

Species Representation Case

This case represents just some of the fine Catocala species which I have encountered over the years. My series specimens are located in Cornell drawers. These are merely some of my species representatives. I have collected only about 33 species so far as I can tell but, I have nearly 250 "very well prepared" specimens I am really quite proud of. I do love these moths and I take great pains to prepare them using my best skills. I do remain picky about what I keep so you won't see any "baldies", "big chippers", or otherwise "tired" examples among what I have. Many are common species after all so I can afford to be firm about my keepers. I'm sure more "rabid" enthusiasts with more time on their hands in the summer probably dwarf my overall holdings...

[wollastoni]

Thanks trehopr1 for this great article. Indeed Catocala are splendid moths.
And thank you for sharing with us your personal experience with them as a child : that's what ICF is about : "sharing the passion" !

I also have a personal story with Catocala, as it was the first lepidoptera I've caught (accidentally in a wasp trap) and spread when I was 8 year old. It was a Catocala nupta.

Congrats for your splendid collection of that glorious genus !

[trehopr1]

In closing, I would just like to mention some caveats about Catocala collecting.

1. Always, try to prepare your Catocala specimens up while they are still fresh.
    Their wings, legs, and antennae move very nicely/easily. If they are allowed 
    to dry out and are then re-hydrated (at some point) you will likely find them
    much more difficult to manipulate (especially the hindwings) and their filamentous
    antennae will dry out quickly allowing for easy breakage.
 
2.Try different collecting methods.
   Not all species come to the same attractant. Many will come to various light but, not all.
   Some are drawn to a sugar bait trail of trees (sugaring) but, again not all.
   Others may yet only be attracted to fruit baits such as those used in hanging live traps.

3. If you go the route of hanging live traps remember you need to check them often
    for occupants. Lots of things like the smell of fermenting fruit and are attracted to it.
    This includes "lively" Nymphalid butterflies, assorted stinging Hymenoptera, and some
    smaller Coleoptera. Every one of which will bother a Catocala and cause it to beat 
    itself up trying to get away from the other critters. These are "sensitive" moths which
    like to rest on shaded tree bark and under building eaves during the day.

4. Pick up a copy of W.J.Hollands moth book sometime and read his passage on "Sugaring for Moths".
    It will "stoke the boilers" and "light the fires" to gather yourself for the hunt!

5.Try "sugaring" the trees at least once for a real adventure! A good row of trees, a humid summer night,
   the sounds of the forest, a lantern or flashlight, and just you and nature will harken you back to those 
   early Aurelians in England scouring the countryside with reckless abandon !!


 

[Paul K]

Thank you Trehopr1 for shearing with us your beautiful Catocala collection and taking time to give breath description of each species.

Paul

PS.
It must to be long night

[wollastoni]

And here is a link to W.J. Hollands' book that is quoted several time in this article : "The Moth Book : A guide to the Moths of North America"
A fantastic book indeed ! Even for Europeans who will learn a lot of collecting techniques.

see here