Species Details

Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NamePraeclara Underwing SeasonalityAdults have been collected in mid-August and early September. IdentificationA medium-size ( 3.8-5.0 cm wingspan) moth with dull greenish or purple grey forewings. The antemedial line is black and distinct, the other cross-lines less so, mainly indicated by dark marks at the costa. The basal dash is indistinct or absent. A short dark dash in the outer fold, with some dark red-brown scaling adjacent. The hindwings are bright yellow-orange, with a median black band that forms a long loop with the basal streak. A wider black terminal band, divided or nearly so in the anal area, forming a dark, anal spot. The antennae are simple and both the sexes are alike. It can only be mistaken with Catocala blandula, which has much more mottled grey, black and whitish forewings. Canadian populations, which are darker and duller than more southern ones, were previously treated as a separate species, Catocala manitoba Beut.

Scientific Name Catocala praeclara Common Name Praeclara Underwing Habitat Dry shrub stands in the valleys of the grassland region. Seasonality Adults have been collected in mid-August and early September. Identification
A medium-size ( 3.8-5.0 cm wingspan) moth with dull greenish or purple grey forewings. The antemedial line is black and distinct, the other cross-lines less so, mainly indicated by dark marks at the costa. The basal…
A medium-size ( 3.8-5.0 cm wingspan) moth with dull greenish or purple grey forewings. The antemedial line is black and distinct, the other cross-lines less so, mainly indicated by dark marks at the costa. The basal dash is indistinct or absent. A short dark dash in the outer fold, with some dark red-brown scaling adjacent. The hindwings are bright yellow-orange, with a median black band that forms a long loop with the basal streak. A wider black terminal band, divided or nearly so in the anal area, forming a dark, anal spot. The antennae are simple and both the sexes are alike. It can only be mistaken with Catocala blandula, which has much more mottled grey, black and whitish forewings. Canadian populations, which are darker and duller than more southern ones, were previously treated as a separate species, Catocala manitoba Beut.
Life History Adults are nocturnal and come to light and probably sugar baits (no data). Larvae are solitary defoliators and the egg is the overwintering stage. There is a single annual brood. Conservation At the edge of its range, where suitable habitat appears to be secure. No concerns. Diet Info No Alberta data; elsewhere reported from Aronia and Prunus (Rosaceae). In Alberta, chokecherry is the probable host. Range
Primarily eastern, from Nova Scotia west to southeastern Alberta, south to Florida and Kansas. In Alberta it has been collected twice in the badlands of the Red Deer River, at Dinosaur Provincial Park and at Tolman…
Primarily eastern, from Nova Scotia west to southeastern Alberta, south to Florida and Kansas. In Alberta it has been collected twice in the badlands of the Red Deer River, at Dinosaur Provincial Park and at Tolman Bridge Recreational Area, east of Trochu.

Citation

Page Citation for Catocala praeclara

Page Citation

"Species Details - Catocala praeclara, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-810. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Authorship

Name Anweiler, G. G.
Role species page author

References

Specimen Information

There are 6 specimens of this Species.

6 results plotted on map in 6 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM19705 - Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Tolman Bridge Recreational Area Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.; Weisgarber, J. Date Collected2000-09-09

UASM24672 - Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2002-09-01/2002-09-04

UASM59378 - Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Pakowki Lake Collected BySchmidt, B. C.; Dombroskie, J.; Anweiler, G. G. Date Collected2006-08-15

UASM110947 - Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Pakowki Lake Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2008-08-10

UASM184867 - Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Opal Collected ByTroubridge, J. Date Collected2001-08-11

UASM184908 - Catocala praeclara

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: New Jersey, Ocean county, Lakehurst Collected ByLemmer, F. Date Collected1916-07-01/1916-07-08

Adult Seasonal Distribution