Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth
Common NameYellow-necked Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameDatana ministra
FamilyNotodontidae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Nebraska
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, apple, cherry, elm, hickory, walnut
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe caterpillars are gregarious, black with yellow longitudinal stripes, and exhibit a distinctive defensive posture by raising both ends of their body when disturbed. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown head and 'neck' area contrasting with the lighter brown forewings, which have subtle, wavy darker lines. The moth typically rests with its wings folded in a tent-like manner over its body.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by a prominent reddish-brown head and anterior thorax, contrasting with its light tan to brownish forewings that bear several faint, wavy, darker brown transverse lines.
