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Darling underwing

Darling underwing

Catocala cara

A species of Underwings, Also known as Bronze underwing

Catocala cara is a butterfly from the spider owls family (Erebidae). The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1852 by Guenée.

General Info About Darling underwing
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Attributes of Darling underwing
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Pink
Habitat
cave; eave; bridge
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew, plant sap, decaying fruit, moisture from muddy or damp spots
Larva Food Source
Quercus spp. (oak) leaves, salix spp. (willow) leaves, populus spp. (poplar) leaves, betula spp. (birch) leaves, ulmus spp. (elm) leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Darling underwing feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Darling underwing
It can be found in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains; it occurs west at least to Oklahoma and north at least to Illinois.
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Distribution Area of Darling underwing
United States east of the Rocky Mountains, Oklahoma, Illinois, southern Canada
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Appearance of Darling underwing
The wingspan is 70–85 mm. The forewings are dark purplish brown above, and light cream below. The hindwings have a deep scarlet-pink ground color with a pattern of two clean concentric blackish bands per wing, one through the midwing and one along the pale outer margin. The hindwing base is heavily covered in dark hairs; at a casual glance it may thus appear as if at the center of the dark bands there is a black spot or streak. As in many relatives, the foreleg tibia of this species possess no spines, while the tarsi carry three rows of spines.
The adult moths flies from June to October depending on the location. The caterpillars feed on Populus (poplar and cottonwood) and Salix (willow) species, especially Black willow (S. nigra).
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How to Identify Darling underwing?

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Life Cycle of Darling underwing
Egg After the female darling underwing deposits her eggs, typically on plant surfaces, they remain for a period before hatching. The eggs are often small, spherical, and may vary in color, but usually blend in with the plant to avoid predation.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of darling underwing, commonly referred to as a caterpillar, emerges. It is elongated with a soft body, often bearing distinguishable patterns for camouflage or warning. The larva eats voraciously, molting several times and expanding in size.
Pupal After the final larval molt, darling underwing forms a pupa. This stage is immobile, with the pupal case providing protection. Inside, significant metamorphosis occurs, as the body transforms dramatically, developing wings and adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult darling underwing's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Darling underwing
Bats, birds, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Darling underwing
Darling underwing have a unique ability to camouflage with tree bark, rendering them nearly invisible to predators during daylight hours.
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Scientific Classification of Darling underwing
Tips for Finding Darling underwing
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Youth Habitat of Darling underwing
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Darling underwing
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Darling underwing
The use of light traps is common to attract adult darling underwing, as they are nocturnal and are attracted to light sources at night. Sweet bait traps using fermenting fruit or a sugar mixture can also be used to lure darling underwing as they feed on nectar.
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Habitat Preferences of Darling underwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of darling underwing are found on tree barks, where they've been laid. Caterpillars of darling underwing are typically found on the leaves of their host plants, often in wooded or forested areas, where they feast and grow. To observe them, one would need to patiently search through foliage. Pupae are usually hidden in the litter on the ground or in a slight burrow, requiring a detailed inspection of the forest floor. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light, so they are best searched for at night using light traps or by inspecting around light sources in areas near the habitat of their larval food sources.
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How and Where Can You Find Darling underwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of darling underwing are usually laid on the leaves of the host plants. To locate them, inspect the stems and both sides of leaves of known host plants for small clusters or individual eggs.
Larva Darling underwing larvae can be found on or near their food plants. Search for signs of feeding damage on leaves and look for larvae under leaves or within folded leaf margins during the day.
Pupal To find darling underwing pupae, search the ground or leaf litter around the base of the host plants. Pupae may also be attached to twigs or leaves, so survey these areas as well.
Adult Adult darling underwing are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. Use light traps at night or look for resting adults on tree trunks or the underside of leaves during the day. Sweet bait traps set up at dusk can also be effective.
Are Darling underwing harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Darling underwing
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Hurt Plant

Darling underwing larvae are generalists, chewing through the leaves of many plant types. This feeding can range from mild to severe defoliation, depending on infestation levels, impacting the photosynthetic capability and overall health of the host plants.

More Effects of Darling underwing

Beneficial Effects of Darling underwing
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Darling underwing is a pollinator that is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While feeding on nectar, darling underwing inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, thus assisting in plant reproduction.
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