Catocala pretiosa

Lintner, 1876
Precious Underwing

Sort #: 2331 | P #: 930849 | MPG #: 8858.1
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Larval substrate: Aronia arbutifolia* (Red Chokeberry), Amelanchier (Serviceberry), Malus (Apple), Prunus maritima (Beach Plum)
Phenology: Adult: 7/08 to 8/01 (5 records)

Comment: The nominate subspecies C. pretiosa pretiosa occurs today only in southern New Jersey and SE Massachusetts, inhabiting swamps and bogs, usually within the coastal sandplain barrens. Its precise habitat requirements, especially in Massachusetts, are still poorly known. In the 19th century, the moth was known from southern Maine and New Hampshire south to Philadelphia. The subspecies C.p.texarkana is more widespread and occurs across the southern States from Florida to Texas.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, very rare
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: Endangered
First Year Reported: 1874
Last Year Reported: 2023

Distribution by County: Middlesex, Bristol, Plymouth, Dukes
Number of Records: 8