Dark Crimson Underwing
Catocala sponsa
This record describes Catocala sponsa (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 60 to 70 mm. Similar to the more common Red Underwing and should be checked with care (especially the underwing). In view of the rarity of this species any possible records should be reported to the VC55 Recorder for Moths and the specimen should be retained until his instructions are received. Associated with oak woodland. The adults are nocturnal and can be attracted by sugar as well as light. Individuals recorded away from the New Forest area are likely to be migrants. There is one generation during the year, flying in August and September. Overwinters as an egg. The larva feeds from April to early June. A rare species, classed as Red Data Book category RDB2. It occurs as a breeding species only in the New Forest, Hampshire, and otherwise is only occasionally recorded as a migrant. Overwinters as an egg. The larva feeds from April to early June. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as RDB2. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Catocala
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with oak woodland. The adults are nocturnal and can be attracted by sugar as well as light. Individuals recorded away from the New Forest area are likely to be migrants.
Seasonal Activity
There is one generation during the year, flying in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an egg. The larva feeds from April to early June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A rare species, classed as Red Data Book category RDB2. It occurs as a breeding species only in the New Forest, Hampshire, and otherwise is only occasionally recorded as a migrant. Overwinters as an egg. The larva feeds from April to early June. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as RDB2.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Catocala sponsa. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Crimson Underwing
What is Dark Crimson Underwing?
Dark Crimson Underwing (Catocala sponsa) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dark Crimson Underwing found?
Habitat: Associated with oak woodland. The adults are nocturnal and can be attracted by sugar as well as light. Individuals recorded away from the New Forest area are likely to be migrants.
When is Dark Crimson Underwing active?
Dark Crimson Underwing: seasonal activity - There is one generation during the year, flying in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Dark Crimson Underwing?
Overwinters as an egg. The larva feeds from April to early June.