About Catocala aholibah Strecker, 1874
The Aholibah underwing, scientifically named Catocala aholibah, is a moth species belonging to the owlet moth family Erebidae. Erebidae is a large moth family that has over 25,000 known species, with many more species that have not yet been scientifically described. Like all other moths in the underwing genus Catocala, this species has forewings that are dull and speckled with gray and black; this pattern helps the moth blend into its surrounding environment. It also has bright orange underwings, which the species reveals to startle approaching predators. Adult Aholibah underwings reach maturity in early summer. They are distributed across western North America, ranging from British Columbia in the north down to Arizona in the south. The wingspan of an adult Aholibah underwing can reach up to 8 centimeters. The larval stage of this species is a dark gray mottled caterpillar, with thick legs that have a pink tint. This caterpillar is capable of jumping. Adult moths of this species feed on nectar, tree sap, and rotting fruit. The caterpillar larvae feed preferentially on the foliage of several different oak species.
