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Meske's underwing moth

Meske's underwing moth

Catocala meskei

A species of Underwings

Catocala meskei, or Meske's underwing, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. It is found in North America from Maine and Quebec west to southern Alberta and Montana, south to South Carolina in the east and at least Montana in the west. The wingspan is 65–75 mm. Adults are on wing from July to September depending on the location. The larvae feed on Populus and Salix species.

General Info About Meske's underwing moth
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Attributes of Meske's underwing moth
Habitat
various poplar; willow
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, sap, fruit juices, honeydew, organic debris
Larva Food Source
Oak leaves, willow leaves, poplar leaves, elm leaves, birch leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
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Life Cycle of Meske's underwing moth
Egg The life of meske's underwing moth begins in the egg stage, with eggs laid on host plants. The eggs are small, often spherical, and may be colored to blend with the foliage for protection.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of meske's underwing moth appears worm-like with a focus on feeding and growth. It exhibits a series of molts, increasing in size and potentially changing color or pattern with each instar.
Pupal The larva then forms a pupa, where it undergoes a remarkable transformation. The pupal case encloses the developing meske's underwing moth, which reorganizes its structure completely. The pupa may be found in soil or on plant matter.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult meske's underwing moth’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 Meske's underwing moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, parasitic wasps, predatory beetles
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Predators of Adult Meske's underwing moth
Bats, birds, rodents, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Meske's underwing moth
Meske's underwing moth has the unique ability to produce ultrasonic clicks as a defense mechanism against echolocating bats.
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Scientific Classification of Meske's underwing moth
Tips for Finding Meske's underwing moth
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How Can You Attract Meske's underwing moth
Adults of meske's underwing moth are typically attracted to light sources or sugary bait. A common method is to set up a light trap at night or to use a sweet mixture painted on trees.
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Habitat Preferences of Meske's underwing moth Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of meske's underwing moth are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, where they are laid in clusters to remain hidden from predators. As caterpillars, they are commonly found on the leaves and stems of these plants, where they feed and develop. They often choose dense foliage for protection during their larval stage. Searching for the caterpillars requires gently inspecting the plant leaves and stems. Pupae of meske's underwing moth are usually located in loose soil or leaf litter, where they remain camouflaged as they metamorphose into adults. Finally, adult meske's underwing moth are predominantly nocturnal and are frequently found near light sources or on the bark of trees where they blend in during the day.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Meske's underwing moth
The suitable time to find adult meske's underwing moth is usually at night when they are most active. However, to find larval stages, searching during the daytime may be more fruitful.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Meske's underwing moth
Dry and warm nights are typically the most suitable weather conditions to find adult meske's underwing moth, as they are less active during cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Meske's underwing moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Meske's underwing moth eggs are usually laid on the host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of potential host plants looking for small clusters or rows of eggs.
Larva Meske's underwing moth caterpillars can be found by searching the host plants they feed on during the day. Look for signs of feeding damage or frass (caterpillar droppings) on leaves.
Pupal Pupae of meske's underwing moth are often hidden in the debris on the ground or in crevices of the host plant. Searching through leaf litter or under loose bark may yield meske's underwing moth pupae.
Adult Attracting adult meske's underwing moth with lights or bait is effective. For light traps, set up a white sheet with a bright light in a dark area at night. For bait traps, apply a mix of fermented fruit or molasses on tree trunks and check them regularly.
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