Angus' Datana Moth
Common NameAngus' Datana Moth
Scientific NameDatana angusii
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, hickory, birch, chestnut, witch-hazel
Flight PeriodMay to September (two broods in the south), June to August (one brood in the north)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are gregarious, feeding together, and are typically black with yellow stripes and long white hairs. They pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark head and anterior thorax, and the specific pattern of wavy lines on its grayish-brown forewings. Larvae are also distinctive with their black and yellow striped bodies and gregarious feeding behavior.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by a dark brown to black head and anterior thorax, contrasting with grayish-brown forewings. The forewings are marked with several fine, wavy, dark brown transverse lines and are held tent-like over the body at rest.
