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Darling Underwing

Catocala cara

Plate XXXII — Darling Underwing is Fig. 9

This large and splendid species is a native of the Appalachian subregion, and in it has a wide range.

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2026 Editor's Note: The Darling Underwing belongs to the genus Catocala, a name derived from Ancient Greek meaning "rear wings beautiful." Following a convention started by Carl Linnaeus, many species in this genus were given feminine or marital names, resulting in common names like the Widow, Bride, and Girlfriend underwings. In the early 20th century, these moths were central to a scientific debate regarding whether insects could hear, as they were observed to fly away or drop to the ground when exposed to high-pitched sounds like whistles. (Ed: GG 2026-08-11)

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