Drexel's Datana Moth
Common NameDrexel's Datana Moth
Scientific NameDatana drexelii
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, brown, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, hazelnut
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious, feeding in groups on host plant leaves. They are black with yellow stripes and long white hairs, raising both ends of their body when disturbed. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific pattern of wavy transverse lines on the reddish-brown forewings and the prominent reddish-brown head and thorax. Larvae are identifiable by their black and yellow striped pattern and gregarious feeding.
Description
A medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings featuring several wavy, darker brown transverse lines. The head and thorax are distinctly fuzzy and reddish-brown.
