Catocala marmorata
kah-TOCK-uh-lah mm mar-mor-AY-tuh
W. H. Edwards, 1864

Catocala marmorata courtesy of John K. Adams.

This site has been created by Bill Oehlke at oehlkew@islandtelecom.com
Comments, suggestions and/or additional information are welcomed by Bill.

TAXONOMY: Superfamily: Noctuoidea Family: Noctuidae Group: Noctuinina Subfamily: Catocalinae Genus: Catocala, Schrank, 1802

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DISTRIBUTION:

Catocala marmorata, the Marbled Underwing (wingspan: 90-95mm), flies from Vermont to South Carolina and west to Indiana. This species seems to be endangered through much, if not all, of its range.

The dark forewing arc running from the costa down through the reniform spot to the outer margin just below the apex distinguishes this large species from all other "pinkish-red" underwings. Image courtesy of Clemson University.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

Catocala marmorata are usually on the wing from July through August.

The Catocala marmorata caterpillar feeds on poplars and willows.

ECLOSION:

Adults eclose from pupae at soil surface.

SCENTING AND MATING:

Catocala marmorata females emit an airbourne pheromone and males use their antennae to track the scent plume.

EGGS, CATERPILLARS, COCOONS, AND PUPAE:

Eggs are deposited on tree bark in the fall and hatch the following spring.

Larval Food Plants

Listed below are primary food plant(s) and alternate food plants. It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive, although some species seem very host specific. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Populus..... Salix

Poplar Willow

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