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 pretiosa
Lintner, 1876

Variable larva in terms of ground color as well as maculation, and one of three small Rosaceae-feeders (other two: lincolnana, blandula) that sport a dark dorsal "racing stripe" in a fair proportion of last instars. A5 horn is usually short (1-2 mm). Wild foodplants also vary, with some geographical component, including various Crataegus, Aronia arbutifolia, Malus angustifolia, Amelanchier. Denizen of mesic/wet hardwood forests in the few remaining populations in coastal NJ and MA (others in midwest and New England long extirpated), and more varied habitats south and west.

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