Underwing Moths (Catocala) & Larvae

A companion guide for iNaturalists

Nearctic Species

   

Publications

Taxonomic Notes

Rearing:
Wild larvae
Eggs from females

iNat Wishlist:
ilia vs. umbrosa
Larvae on Rosaceae
mtDNA: praeclara

More About: Maps & images
The authors

Catocala illecta
Walker, 1858

Three Catocala feed exclusively on Honey Locust (Gleditsia) in the Nearctic, illecta, innubens and minuta, and they are quite different. The mature larva of illecta is large and unique, with dorsolateral black circles organized concentrically (cf. front-to-back) on each segment; gaudy orange patches at pinnacula; wide white lateral stripe; no lateral filaments, mostly black venter; head capsule yellowish with dark stripes. Larva of innubens large, whitish to gray or cream with sparse dark stippling; orange/red lateral racing stripe surrounded above/below by darker stippling; prominent A5 patch with rounded bump; venter yellow, black spots on A3-A6; no lateral filaments, head capsule light with pink/ochre tinge and darker stripes. Larva of minuta small, body color from light gray to black, frequently patchy; prominent A5 patch with raised often white-tipped bump; modest lateral filaments, some multifurcate; head capsule grayish with darker striping, black spots on each lobe, black usually heavy from vertex to T1; venter whitish grey with black spots. Both innubens and minuta present in urbanized environments owing to Gleditsia planting; illecta not so and found in more open to prairie-like habitats. Mature larvae of innubens and illecta often rest in duff around tree base or nearby, those of minuta in bark crevices.

All images at this site by L. Gall and/or R. Borth (unless otherwise attributed), please contact us with questions or requests