and Related Owlet
Subfamily: Erebinae
Species: Catocala cara
Hodges: 8832
Flight Period: August - October
Length: 37-44mm
Peterson: 347
Hosts: Popular and Willow
Field Notes: This has to be one of the most beautiful creatures on Planet Earth - iridescent purple with reddish pink and black under wings - other worldly! It's species name is derived from the old Irish word cara which means friend - an affable name for moth I look forward to seeing each year - like an "old friend". The caterpillar of this moth is a living twig - its camouflage on a popular or willow sprig renders it invisible. The fact that Troy Meadows has an abundance of black willow (Salix nigra) assures this moth a spot for years to come in this lovely natural land.
Species: Catocala cerogama
Species: Catocala grynea
Species: Catocala habilis
Species: Catocala ilia
Species: Catocala innubens
Species: Catocala lineella
and Related Owlet
Subfamily: Erebinae
Species: Catocala neogama
Hodges: 8798
Flight Period: July - Early October
Length: 37-44mm
Peterson: 347
Hosts: Hickory, butternut, black walnut
Field Notes: An absolutely impressive underwing, the Bride is a wonderful addition to the show after dark on warm summer nights. Memorizing the patterns on the forewings along with the colors and bar patterns of the hindwings of Catocala species is a daunting task to say the least. With the Bride the postmedial line that meanders until it forms a distinct dash parallel with the inner margin of the forewings is helpful. You can usually find the larvae (caterpillar) within one to three meters off the ground of its host trees. The caterpillar is indeed a bark mimic so this will be a challenging task.
and Related Owlet
Subfamily: Erebinae
Species: Catocala vidua
Hodges: 8792
Flight Period: August - September
Length: 37-44mm
Peterson: 341
Hosts: Hickory and walnut
Field Notes: Most species in the genus Catocala have hindwings that are barred with yellow-black, or red- black, less common are species with solid black and white banding on the terminal edge. The widow underwing falls into the later with hindwings solid black and a white outer rim line. This doesn't help when the wings are closed but most catocalids when attracted to a bright lamp will sit tight and allow you to gently pull the forewings back for a peak at the hindwing color and pattern. The image to your right was taken on 8.24.12 but we also had two more on 8.30.13. This common hickory feeder goes through 7 instars (growth stages as a larvae) before pupation. It has been noted in the scientific literature that C. vidua's population is in flux. This species disappeared from New England in the 1960's but has rebounded in the 80's and is now stable in the region. It's nice to know it's a common denizen of the Meadows.
Species: Cenopis diluticostana
