Explanation of Names
Seems likely Datana is an anagram of Nadata, or vice versa. Both genera were named by Walker in 1855.
Identification
Distinctive as a genus, difficult as to species. Resembles a faded brown leaf, rolled up, with a fuzzy chesnut "head", actually the upper thorax. Wings have a weak pattern of lighter lines.
Range
Includes eastern North America
Habitat
Deciduous forests, woodlands, edges with deciduous shrubs
Season
April-September, among several species in eastern North America.
Food
Unknown, perhaps do not feed. (Members of Prominent family do sometimes come to bait, but I find no information on this genus.)
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs and may be pests.
Print References
Covell, pp. 328-329, plate 39
(1)
Himmelman, p. 43, plates A-3, B-4
(2)
Wagner, p. 56: D. contracta, integerrima, drexelii caterpillars
(3)Internet References
Oklahoma Wild Things--D. contracta caterpillar
North Carolina State University lists 9 species for the state, with number pinned: angusii (23), contracta (23), drexelii (15), integerrima (25), major (31), ministra (24), perspicua (33), ranaeceps (11).
Moth Photographer's Group:
Plate 41 -- NotodontidaeContributed by
Cotinis on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Additional contributions by
LynetteLast updated 19 August, 2008 - 8:57am
