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Old Wife Underwing

Old Wife Underwing

Catocala palaeogama

A species of Underwings

Catocala palaeogama, the old wife underwing, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is found in North America from Ontario and Quebec (where it is rare), through Maine, New Jersey, Tennessee, to South Carolina, west to Arkansas and Oklahoma and north through Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Some authors consider Catocala palaeogama to be a synonym of Catocala neogama. The wingspan is 60–70 mm. Adults are on wing from June to October depending on the location. There is probably one generation per year. The larvae feed on Carya alba, C. glabra, C. illinoinensis, C. laciniosa, C. ovalis, C. ovata, Castanea dentata, Juglans nigra and Malus pumila.

General Info About Old Wife Underwing
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Attributes of Old Wife Underwing
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Orange
Habitat
deciduous forest
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, honeydew, tree sap
Larva Food Source
Oak leaves, willow leaves, poplar leaves, aspen leaves, birch leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Old Wife Underwing
Common to abundant
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Predators of Old Wife Underwing Larvae
Araneae (spiders), aves (birds), mantodea (mantises), coleoptera (beetles), formicidae (ants)
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Predators of Adult Old Wife Underwing
Chiroptera (bats), aves (birds)
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Interesting Facts About Old Wife Underwing
Despite its unassuming appearance, old Wife Underwing has a unique defense mechanism: it can emit clicks to jam the echolocation of bats, evading predation.
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Scientific Classification of Old Wife Underwing
Tips for Finding Old Wife Underwing
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Youth Habitat of Old Wife Underwing
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Old Wife Underwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of old Wife Underwing are often found on the underside of leaves from host plants where the female moth selectively lays them. As for caterpillars, they are typically found on or near the food plants, mostly hidden during the day beneath bark or in leaf litter at the base of the trees. Pupae are located in loose soil or leaf litter, where the caterpillars descend to and pupate in a slight cocoon. If one wishes to search for the adult moths, they should look around light sources at night or on tree trunks, where the moths rest during the day, camouflaged against the bark.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Old Wife Underwing
The most suitable time to find old Wife Underwing is typically at night, when adult old Wife Underwing are active, and during their active seasons which may vary depending on the geographical location.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Old Wife Underwing
Calm, warm, and humid nights are generally more suitable for finding adult old Wife Underwing as they are more likely to be active and seeking nectar or mates.
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How and Where Can You Find Old Wife Underwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Old Wife Underwing eggs are usually laid on the host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of potential host plants in the habitat of the old Wife Underwing.
Larva Old Wife Underwing larvae can be found on or near their food sources. Search the foliage of host plants, especially during the evening or early morning.
Pupal Old Wife Underwing pupae can be located in the soil, leaf litter, or in loose bark. Gently sifting through these materials in areas where larvae are found can lead to discovery of the pupae.
Adult Old Wife Underwing adults are attracted to light sources and can be found near light traps set up after dusk. They can also be found on flowers, feeding on nectar during the night.
Are Old Wife Underwing harmful?
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