Catephia alchymista

Classification and Distribution

Catephia alchymista, commonly known as the white underwing or alchymist, is a moth species in the family Erebidae. It is found in Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

Technical Description and Variation

The forewings of C. alchymista are ash-black with deep black lines, which are irregularly dentate and partially brown-edged externally. The subterminal line is light brown, irregular, and dilated in places, marked with white at the costa. The stigmata have deep black edges. The hindwings are white in the basal half, except along the inner margin, which is blackish like the outer half. The terminal spots are white, running out into the fringe, at the apex and above the anal angle.

Variation

A variation of C. alchymista from Sarepta has greenish-grey forewings with very strongly marked black lines.

Biology

The moths are on wing from May to July, and in southern Europe, they can be found from April to August. The wingspan of the species is 42-48 millimeters.

Features

* **Wingspan:** 42-48 millimeters
* **Forewings:** Ash-black with deep black lines, partially brown-edged externally
* **Hindwings:** White in basal half, except along inner margin which is blackish like outer half
* **Terminal spots:** White, running out into the fringe, at apex and above anal angle

Egg, Caterpillar, and Pupa

The egg of C. alchymista is hemispherical with many straight longitudinal ribs and is black in color. The caterpillar is long-stretched with very long sternums, light gray or brown with numerous black points. At the back of the 4th and 11th segment, two small pin-shaped wart-like elevations are present. The pupa is slim, red-brown with a bluish ring.

Similar Species

Catephia alchymista is often referred to as the "white underwing" or "alchymist", but it should not be confused with other species in the same genus that have similar characteristics.