- Scientific name: Catocala herodias
- Species of Greatest Conservation Need (MA State Wildlife Action Plan)
- Special Concern (MA Endangered Species Act)
Description
Herodias underwing moth, Catocala herodias.
The Herodias underwing is an erebid moth with a wingspan of 56-65 mm (2.2-2.5 in; Covell 1984). The forewing is brown with dark longitudinal streaks along the veins, alternating with white streaks distally. There is prominent white shading along the costal margin, and an elongated dark brown patch extends from just proximal to the reniform spot, through it, nearly reaching the apex. Gray shading overlays the brown along the inner margin. The reniform spot is obscure, matching the dark brown patch surrounding it, but often faintly outlined with white. The hind wing is bright crimson with two black bands and a white fringe. The head and thorax are grayish-brown, matching the inner margin of the forewing, and the abdomen is tan.
Life cycle and behavior
In Massachusetts, the Herodias underwing moth flies in July and August. Eggs are laid on the stems of scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia), where they overwinter and hatch in early spring. Larvae feed on catkins and new leaves of scrub oak, and pupate in June.
Distribution and abundance
The Herodias underwing moth occurs in sandplain habitats in southeastern Massachusetts, on eastern Long Island, New York, and in southern New Jersey; as well as on rocky summits and ridges from Massachusetts south through the Appalachian Mountains to North Carolina (Schweitzer et al. 2011).
Distribution in Massachusetts.
1999-2024
Based on records in the Natural Heritage Database.
Habitat
In Massachusetts, the Herodias underwing moth inhabits xeric (dry), open pitch pine-scrub oak barrens and scrub oak thickets on sandy soil or rocky summits and ridges.
Healthy habitats are vital for supporting native wildlife and plants. Explore habitats and learn about conservation and restoration in Massachusetts.
Sandplain pitch pine-scrub oak barrens habitat with sparse trees and abundant scrub oak, ideal habitat for the Herodias underwing moth.
Threats
The Herodias underwing moth is threatened by habitat loss and fire suppression in its disturbance-dependent habitats, in particular sandplain and ridgetop pitch pine-scrub oak barrens. Other potential threats include introduced generalist parasitoids, aerial insecticide spraying, non-target herbicide applications, and off-road vehicles. The effect of a warming climate may not be detrimental to this species in Massachusetts; its range extends south to North Carolina, suggesting adaptation to warm temperatures.
Conservation
Land protection and habitat management are the primary conservation needs of this species in Massachusetts. In particular, sandplain and ridgetop pitch pine-scrub oak barrens should be conserved, restored, and managed to maintain habitat for this species and the entire suite of rare and threatened species dependent on such habitat.
Survey and monitoring
The distribution of the Herodias underwing moth in coastal sandplain pitch pine-scrub oak barrens is well documented. Known populations of this species should be surveyed to document persistence at least once every 25 years; every 10 years is more desirable when practicable.
Management
Management of sandplain and ridgetop pitch pine-scrub oak barrens benefits a suite of rare and threatened species, and habitat condition should be monitored and management adapted as needed. For the Herodias underwing moth, open barrens with a shrub layer including scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia) are of particular importance.
Research needs
The natural history and conservation needs of the Herodias underwing moth are relatively well known. However, as with other species with a geographic range mostly south of Massachusetts, the future effects of a warming climate on this species are unpredictable and should be documented.
References
Covell, C.V. 1984. A Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts. 496 pp.
Schweitzer, D.F., M.C. Minno, and D.L. Wagner. 2011. Rare, Declining, and Poorly Known Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of Forests and Woodlands in the Eastern United States. Forest Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Washington, DC. 517 pp.
Contact
| Date published: | March 6, 2025 |
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