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catocala

noun
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ca·​toc·​a·​la | \ kəˈtäkələ; ˌkatəˈkālə, -ˈkalə \

Definition of catocala

1 capitalized : a widely distributed genus of large moths (family Noctuidae) having the forewings dull and the hind wings larger and brightly colored
2 or less commonly catocalid \ -​lə̇d \ plural -s : a moth of the genus Catocala : underwing sense 2

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History and Etymology for catocala

New Latin, from cato- + -cala (irregular from Greek kalos beautiful); from the red or yellow hind wings

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“Catocala.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catocala. Accessed 8 December 2019.

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