Darling Underwing (Catocala cara)

[Trehopr1]

One of THE most strikingly colored species of Underwing
moths to be found here in the eastern U.S. is our Darling
underwing (Catocala cara).

This particular species exhibits some of the most intense
(bold) pink coloration found amongst all of our "pink"
species. The best examples are usually only a day or two old.
The colors wear/fade off quickly after that.

Unlike, the greater number of our other species; this one is
mostly a "bait" species and is seldom attracted to lights. If
you happen to live in the right place you may encounter it
mostly in late July and into August. However, otherwise only
the very occasional singleton will reward you with its presence !

Though it forewings are almost black in general appearance;
fresh examples exhibit a "greenish" sheen or overlay. The sight
of one of these "darlings" is enough ( I believe) to change the
negative opinion of even the staunchest moth critic !

A treasure and delight which I have encountered FEW times.

[daveuk]

Stunning specimen. Very beautiful

[mothman55]

Completely agree with Trehopr1, cara with its bright red hindwing is among the most beautiful of the catocala. I am fortunate here just east of Toronto that they are relatively common. I see them at my bait every night from early August to mid September.

[bobw]

Lovely species! Here's my series, with a series of C. concumbens thrown in for good measure:

[daveuk]

Fantastic series.

[bobw]

Thanks Dave. Quite a few of them (the ones with pale green labels), I reared myself.

I particularly like the aberrant concumbens female with the very broad hindwing band.

[daveuk]

I could easily get into these Bob. Well done on the rearing. I believe even when young & tiny Catocala caterpillars move like lightening.

[Trehopr1]

Outstanding Bob !

Well done task at rearing....

C. concumbens is another of our unique "pink"species with very different forewing/hindwing coloration. I was going to post the species but, you have beat me to it.

Indeed, lovely series of both species.

[bobw]

Yes, the small larvae are very quick but they're much better behaved when they get bigger. As I don't have access to trees I can sleeve, I have to do them all in tupperware boxes, which causes high losses due to viral or bacterial infections.

I was lucky to rear a good series of concumbens. This year has been a disaster as I've completely lost 8 of the 16 species of Catocala I've tried!

[daveuk]

Sorry to hear that Bob. It's only in about the last four years I have done any proper rearing. Have obtained pupae to hatch prior to this
I have only done butterflies so far but the process is a continual learning curve I find. Extremely rewarding when things go right though.