Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Catocala antinympha (Hübner, 1823)
(1),
(2)
Ephesia antinympha Hübner, 1823
Catocala affinis Westwood, 1837
Catocala melanympha Guenée, 1852
(3),
(4)
Catocala multiconspicua Reiff, 1919
Explanation of Names
Specific epithet perhaps as a contrast to paranympha of Linnaeus, a name misapplied by Drury and noted in Hübner's original listing. Paranymph is Greek for "bridesmaid" and antinympha is likely used to mean "unmarried, wayward" or something to that effect. Although the Greek νύμφη can also be the nymph of an insect or even a mythological nymph early authors were fond of using it to mean "wife, mistress, or young woman."
Identification
Adult - FW shiny, mostly bluish black with black lines and some brown shading, especially behinf pm line. Sometimes has a whitish subreniform spot.
HW yellow/orange and black bands, mostly black at the outer fringe.
Range
Nova Scotia to Ontario, south to Maryland and Michigan.
Habitat
Acid soil areas along the coast, rare inland.
Print References
Barnes, Wm. & J.H. McDunnough, 1918. Illustrations of the North American species of the genus Catocala.
Memoirs of the AMNH 2(1): p.
7;
Pl.7, f.15;
Pl.12, f.14 (larva).
(2)
Hübner, J., 1823.
Verzeichniss bekannter Schmettlinge, p.
278.
