Catocala of Washington

The following Catocala species are reported or suspected from the state of Washington.

There is a good article on collecting these moths at night by using bait at sugaring. The night time photography can be spectacluar. During the day, these moths rest with the hindwings covered; at night, however, while feeding, the brilliant colours are often exposed. See Tim Dyson Night Vision Photography. This is also a great way to encounter other creatures of the night.

Observing these moths, often in the fall, is a good way to extend your lepping season. The tiny eggs overwinter on tree bark.

The larvae usually feed at night and descend tree trunks to hide in leaf litter during the day. A nice little trick for finding the larvae is to wrap the base of the tree trunk with a burlap sack (towel will do) well after dark. When the larvae descend at dawn they will hide in the burlap and can be uncovered during the day.

This list is compiled from the Washington Natural Heritage Program site.

John Davis of Stevenson, Skamania County, southwestern Washington, has recently sent me images of Catocala aholibah, Catocala californica, Catocala relicta and Catocala verrilliana from his county and nearby Klickitat County.

Catocala relicta, Spokane, Washington, September 1, 2008, courtesy of Zana Goulding.

aholibah yes, June until October; oaks
allusa yes, July-August; willows and poplars
briseis yes, July until September, probably northern only; willows and poplars
californica yes, June until August; willow or walnut ??
faustina yes, June until October; willows
grotiana yes, August until September; willows
hermia yes, August until September; poplars and willows
irene yes, July until September, probably southeast; poplars and willows
junctura probably, May until October; poplars and willows
relicta yes; June until October, probably N.& E; poplars and willows
semirelicta possibly eastern Oregon, June until October; poplars and willows
unijuga probably eastern, June until October, willows
verrilliana yes, July until September; oaks

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