Dark crimson underwing moth (Catocala sponsa)
Facts
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Noctuidae |
| Genus | Catocala (3) |
| Size |
Wingspan: 5.8 - 7.4 cm (2) |
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Status
Classified as Rare in Great Britain (1).
Description
The generic name of the Dark Crimson Underwing moth, Catocala derives from the Greek 'katõ' meaning below, and 'kalos' meaning beautiful. This refers to the brightly coloured hindwings of underwing moths. The specific name sponsa means 'betrothed woman' or 'bride'; this may be a reference to the gaudy underwear worn by Scandinavian brides (3). The dark crimson underwing has mottled brown to greyish forewings which provide good camouflage against tree bark, and brilliant red and black-banded hindwings which can be suddenly revealed when the moth is threatened; this often startles predators such as birds. The caterpillar is grey-brown with raised red spots from which black bristles protrude (5).
Range
In the UK the Dark Crimson Underwing breeds only in the New Forest, Hampshire. It was formerly known from Wiltshire, London (1), Kent and Sussex (2). It has been recorded from most European countries; the range extends north to Siberia and south to North Africa, but it is local or rare in many areas (1).
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Habitat
Biology
This single brooded moth flies between August and early September. Larvae occur on oak between April and June, and the overwintering stage is the egg (2).
Threats
The species underwent a decline in numbers during the 1970s, but has since resurged somewhat. The causes of the decline are thought to be due to widespread felling and fragmentation of mature oak woodland and replanting with other tree species (1).
Conservation
The Species Action Plan for the Dark Crimson Underwing, produced as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) aims to maintain all current populations. Proposed long-term aims include the reintroduction of this moth to two sites within the former range, and the enhancement of the sizes of all existing populations before 2010 (1). This may be aided by replanting oaks in ways that increase the size of mature oak woodlands, and by linking currently isolated patches together (1).
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at
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Further Information
Further reading on moths:
Leverton, R. (2001) Enjoying Moths. Poyser, London.
Skinner, B. (1984) Moths of the British Isles. Penguin Books, Harmondsworth
Authentication
Information authenticated by Sean Clancy.
Larvae: stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
Single brooded: (Also known as 'univoltine'). Insect life cycle that takes 12 months to be complete, and involves a single generation. The egg, larva, pupa or adult over winters as a dormant stage.
References
- UK BAP (Dec 2001):
http://www.ukbap.org.uk - Skinner, B. (1984) Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles. Viking Press, London.
- Butterfly Conservation. (Dec 2001):
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/species/moth_intro/names.html - Butterfly Conservation (2001) Moths. (Leaflet). Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.
- South, R. (1961) The moths of the British Isles. Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd., London.
