From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Catocala is a genus of Noctuid moths commonly known as Underwings. (A few closely related genera are sometimes called Underwings as well, but usually the term is synonymous with this genus.) Most species have brightly coloured underwings, orange, red, or white. The genus name is a combination of two Greek words, kato behind, and kalos beautiful. The bright hindwings are not visible at rest, being hidden by the dull forewings, but they help the moth avoid predators such as birds if they are disturbed during the day. The genus occurs in Eurasia and North America (111 or more species). Due to their variety of colors and species diversity, Underwings are popular with collectors of lepidoptera. Larvae (caterpillars) of most species feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs.
[edit] References
