Photo © Keith Tailby

Dark Crimson Underwing

Catocala sponsa

Checklist Number
72.081 [B&F: 2455]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Erebinae
Genus:Catocala
Species:sponsa
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1767)

A vulnerable Red Data Book species, in ancient oak woodland in parts of New Forest, also appearing as a migrant in the south, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Confined as a breeding species to the New Forest in Hampshire. Formerly there were colonies in south Wiltshire until at least 1949. Occasional specimens reported from elsewhere in southern England, including several from north Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, are believed to be migrating or dispersing individuals. Wingspan 58-78 mm. The most likely confusion species are Red Underwing C. nupta and Light Crimson Underwing C. promissa, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Pedunculate Oak and Sessile Oak, over-wintering as an egg.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)