Datana contracta

Walker, 1855

Contracted Datana Moth

Datana contracta, commonly known as the contracted datana, is a in the Notodontidae. It is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Maine to Florida and westward to Arkansas and Wisconsin. The species has a wingspan of 35–50 mm. Larvae feed on foliage of various woody plants including blueberries, hickories, oaks, sycamore, and witch-hazel.

Datana contracta by (c) Jeff Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jeff Clark. Used under a CC-BY license.- 7906 – Datana contracta – Contracted Datana Moth (16038218610) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Datana contracta by James Sullivan, Research Collection of J. B. Sullivan. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Datana contracta: /dæˈteɪnə kənˈtræk.tə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Specific identification characters distinguishing D. contracta from other Datana are not documented in available sources. The Datana is characterized by with relatively uniform forewing coloration and larvae that feed gregariously on woody plants.

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Habitat

Associated with containing plants: blueberries (Vaccinium), hickories (Carya), oaks (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus), and witch-hazel (Hamamelis). In Alabama, has been found in areas with water oak, laurel oak, and sawtooth oak.

Distribution

Eastern and central United States: from Maine south to Florida, and west to Arkansas and Wisconsin.

Diet

Larvae feed on foliage of blueberries, hickories, oaks, sycamore, and witch-hazel. Specific feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

  • blueberries - larval food plantVaccinium
  • hickories - larval food plantCarya
  • oaks - larval food plantQuercus
  • sycamore - larval food plantPlatanus
  • witch-hazel - larval food plantHamamelis

Similar Taxa

  • Other Datana species share similar larval feeding habits on woody plants and general ; specific distinguishing characters for D. contracta are not documented.

More Details

Alabama host records

In Alabama, larvae have been recorded specifically on water oak, laurel oak, and sawtooth oak.

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Sources and further reading