About Catocala coniuncta Esper
Catocala coniuncta Esper is a circum-Mediterranean moth species. Its range covers southern Europe, North Africa, and extends into the Middle East. For a long time, the species name was incorrectly spelled as "conjuncta"; this error was not corrected until 2010. Like other closely related species in its genus, C. coniuncta has mottled brown forewings and crimson-red hindwings marked with a black central line. This species can be distinguished from its European close relatives by the shape of the post-median line on its forewing, and the straighter shape of the black line on its hindwings. The larvae of C. coniuncta feed on holm oak (Quercus ilex). Outside of its regular range, the species has only been recorded once in Britain. This single individual was attracted to light and found by Robin Harvey at RSPB Minsmere reserve on the Suffolk coast on 14 September 2004. After this record was documented, the English common name Minsmere crimson underwing was adopted for the species.
