Azalea Caterpillar Moth
Common NameAzalea Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameDatana major
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas.
Host Plantsazalea, blueberry, apple, oak, birch, witch-hazel, sumac
Flight PeriodJuly to September (one brood)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as Azalea Caterpillars, are gregarious and feed in groups. They are black with yellow stripes and prominent white hairs, often raising both ends of their body when disturbed. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown head and thorax contrasting with the brown forewings marked by several wavy dark lines. The moth typically rests with its wings held tent-like over its body.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a distinctive reddish-brown head and thorax, and forewings that are a uniform brown with several wavy, dark transverse lines.
