Spotted Datana Moth
Common NameSpotted Datana Moth
Scientific NameDatana perspicua
FamilyNotodontidae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Primary Colorsorange-brown, yellowish-brown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsSumac (Rhus spp.), Oak, Birch, Willow
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious, black with yellow stripes, and raise their heads and tails when disturbed. They feed on host plants and pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-orange head and fuzzy thorax combined with yellowish-brown forewings featuring wavy dark lines and a distinct central dark spot.
Description
This moth has a distinctive reddish-orange head and fuzzy thorax, with yellowish-brown forewings marked by several wavy dark lines and a prominent dark spot near the center.
