Walnut Caterpillar Moth
Common NameWalnut Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameDatana integerrima
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, urban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Nebraska
Host Plantswalnut, pecan, hickory, oak, birch, willow, apple, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September (one or two broods depending on latitude)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in masses on host plant leaves. Larvae are gregarious, black with fine white hairs and two red stripes, and raise their heads and tails when disturbed. They pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown head and thorax contrasting with the lighter brown, striped forewings. The larvae are distinctive with their black bodies, white hairs, and defensive posture.
Description
This moth has a furry, reddish-brown head and thorax, with forewings that are shades of tan to light brown, marked with several darker brown, wavy transverse lines. The hindwings are typically paler and unmarked.
