(Catocala amatrix) Hubner 1813
One of North America's largest and beautiful species of
Catocala moths to encounter on a late summer's night
is Catocala amatrix --- the sweetheart underwing. It is
a wide ranging species which is found in the southern
regions of the Canada border, throughout most of the
eastern seaboard states, and crossing into several of
our central plains states as well. It has reached Arizona,
Utah, and central Montana.
Measuring in at around (80+ mm.) at the outstretched
forewings it has few other species that match it in size
here. The gorgeous pink coloration varies in its intensity
with some specimens appearing a "pastel" pink whilst
others look more salmon colored on into reddish-pink
of yet others.The hindwing fringe is peach-colored.
I have found this to be one of our late summer species
showing up in mid- August and the whole of September
(at least). It has a powerful flight and is easily frightened
from its perch unlike many other species.
The species most often has a tell-tale broad continuous
black stripe from the base to the apex of its tan-gray
forewings. However, a lesser encountered form known
as "selecta" lacks the heavy, black stripe present on most
typical examples.
Catocala amatrix (top -male form "selecta")
(bottom -female typical - 80mm.)
The larvae of this marvelous species is a foodplant
specialist particularly of our eastern cottonwood.
It is best encountered at bait but, occasionally may
come to light.
