Red Underwing
Red Underwing (Catocala nupta )
The Red Underwing (Catocala nupta ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of cutworms ( Noctuidae ).
- 4.1 Literature
Features
The moths reach a wingspan of 78-84 millimeters. For the latter type is larger than the Weidenkarmin ( Catocala electa ), but less than the very similar Pappelkarmin ( Catocala elocata ). The forewings are gray with yellowish interference. The hind wings are red and have two wide black bands. These are only slightly serrated, and extend to the edge of the wings. Rarely, also darkened shapes.
Similar Species
- Pappelkarmin ( Catocala elocata ) ( Esper, 1787)
- Small Eichenkarmin ( Catocala promissa ) ( Dennis & Schiffermueller, 1775)
- Large Eichenkarmin ( Catocala sponsa) (Linnaeus, 1767)
- Weidenkarmin ( Catocala electa ) ( Vieweg, 1790)
- Bruchweidenkarmin ( Catocala pacta ) (Linnaeus, 1758)
Geographical distribution and habitat
You can find the Red ribbon on water banks with willow and poplar thickets, but also in floodplains and swamp forests, and in avenues and parks. Generally you will find the kind of not-too- dry areas in temperate and warm areas of Europe, but not in the north. On the north side of the Alps you will find the nocturnal moth up in 1000 and on the south side to 1,600 meters altitude. This moth is one of the most common European medal ribbons, even if the stocks are regionally declined sharply in recent decades.
Way of life
The moths fly from mid-July to early October. At night they fly at light sources, but they usually end up a little off of the light. The track season begins in May and ends in June. Hibernation takes place as an egg. The caterpillars are gray with a reddish tint. Pupation takes place well hidden between spun leaves. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various willow (Salix spp.) And species of poplar (Populus spp.). The moths drink means of their proboscis occasional tree saps and - like all ribbon types - are easily lured with a bait.