David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
_________________________________________________________________Moths
88 – Rosy Underwing Moths
ROSY
UNDERWING MOTH Catocala electa
ROSY
UNDERWING MOTH Catocala electa
ROSY
UNDERWING MOTH Catocala electa
·
One of several similar large European underwing
moths with red hindwings that are usually kept hidden when the moths are at
rest so that they may be employed as shock coloration, the Rosy Underwing Moth Catocala
electa (Noctuidae, Catocalinae) has a pinkish tinge on its hindwings and distinctively
shaped black markings including a relatively even border, tapering slightly,
and with a white, chequered fringe. Conveniently, the moth in the photographs
above had settled with its rather tatty hindwings partly exposed. Another clue
to identity is the distinctive black ‘W’ marking and a comparatively pale and
plain ground colour on the forewings. This
moth occasionally reaches Britain as a rare migrant. There is no shortage of
larval foodplant (Willows
Salix spp. and Poplars Populus spp. are utilised), so the current limiting factors
preventing this moth from becoming established would appear to be purely
climatic. As the British climate continues to warm up in consequence of anthropogenic
global warming, this moth may become established as a breeding species in the not-too-distant
future. The photographs were taken in France.
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