Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Old Maid Underwing Moth (Catocala coelebs)

Overview

Species Overview

There is no overview information available for that species.

Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Old Maid Underwing Moth (Catocala coelebs). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Summary Information State Status: SC/N Federal Status in Wisconsin: none State Rank: S1S2 Global Rank: G4 Tracked by NHI: Y Species of Greatest Conservation Need: Y

Detailed Information

Identification: Forewing dark gray with the outer third portion of the wing pale against the heavy black or brown shading of the rest of the wing. Central spot clearly defined and lighter brown than the surrounding area. Hindwing yellowish orange with nearly even black bands. Send specimen to a specialist for identification. Catocala larvae have a prominent horn-like projection on top of the fifth abdominal segment.

Similar Species: The sweet-fern underwing (Catocala antinympha) has an even coal-black forewing and a lighter central spot. Other similar-sized yellow-hindwing Catocala have lighter gray to brownish forewings.

Habitat: Boreal forest, wet, cool rocky areas along shores, bogs and sedge meadows. Microhabitat includes leaves of sweet gale for the larvae.

Nectar Source: Catocala species rarely visit flowers.

Host Plant: Sweet gale (Myrica gale).

State Distribution: Ashland, Bayfield and Door counties.

Global Distribution: Nova Scotia, Quebec, New York west to Ontario and Wisconsin.

Threats: Applications of Bt for gypsy moth control.

Phenology: Adults are present in August.

Life History: No description of immatures available. Underwing moths overwinter as eggs. Larvae hide in debris during the day and feed at night on the succulent parts of the shrubs. Adults are nocturnal.

Survey Guidance: Attracted to light and sugar bait. Many Catocala species are attracted by 'sugaring' along forest paths and edges in late summer and early fall (Rings et al. 1992). Moths are attracted to blacklight or sugar bait if weather conditions permit moth activity. In general, a temperature in the low 50’s F or higher at dusk is necessary for successful sampling. Cloudy, humid conditions (even a light drizzle) with little or no moonlight are most desirable. New county records should be documented with voucher specimens.

Inventory, Monitoring and Research Needs: Locate additional populations.

Information originally presented as part of the Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens.

Photos

Click on a photo to view a larger version. Please considering donating your photos to the Endangered Resources Program for educational uses. See also information regarding use of photos

Photo © Les Ferge.

Related Links

Links to Additional Old Maid Underwing Moth Information

There are currently no additional links for this species.

Other Links Related to Butterflies and Moths

• Wisconsin Butterflies (Mike Reese)
• More Butterfly Links
• The Field Museum [Exit DNR]
• Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens