French Red Underwing

Catocala elocata

Checklist Number
72.080 [B&F: 2453a]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Erebinae
Genus:Catocala
Species:elocata
Authority:(Esper, 1787)

This central and southern European species has only ever been reliably recorded in the British Isles once, in 1903, on Jersey. Wingspan 85-95 mm. The most likely confusion species is Red Underwing C. nupta, but forewing is more delicately marked, and median fascia on hindwing tapers evenly to the dorsum (distinctly pinched in C. nupta). It is unlikely that records of this species will be accepted unless the specimen is retained for examination. Larva feeds on various trees, no evidence of breeding in the UK. (Update: July 2019)