Datana drexelii

Edwards, H., 1884

Drexel's Datana Moth

Datana drexelii, known as Drexel's Datana , is a of prominent moth in the Notodontidae. It was described by H. Edwards in 1884. The species is found in North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 7904. Like other members of the Datana, the larvae are likely late-season defoliators of hardwood trees.

Datana drexelii by James Sullivan, Research Collection of J. B. Sullivan. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Datana drexelii SERC 06-06-15 0176 (18462642044) by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences (1895) (14802303133) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Datana drexelii: //ˈdætənə ˈdrɛksəlaɪ//

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Identification

Can be distinguished from other Datana by specific morphological features, though detailed diagnostic characteristics require examination. The Datana contains multiple similar species that are often challenging to separate visually. The MONA/Hodges number 7904 provides a standardized reference for identification in North American faunal works.

Images

Distribution

North America. Specific records include southeastern Arizona (Chiricahua Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, Huachuca Mountains) based on collecting trip reports.

Seasonality

active in July-August based on collecting records from Arizona. As a late-season defoliator, larvae likely present in late summer and early fall.

Behavior

Larvae of the Datana are gregarious feeders, consuming leaves of plants in groups. This results in localized, heavy defoliation within tree .

Ecological Role

Larvae function as late-season defoliators of hardwood trees. Despite conspicuous damage, single defoliation events typically cause minimal long-term impact to tree health. Natural enemies regulate .

Human Relevance

May occasionally attract attention due to larval defoliation of ornamental or shade trees. Management is seldom necessary; mechanical removal of small larval clusters or targeted applications are options when aesthetic damage is unacceptable on high-value trees.

Similar Taxa

Datana integerrimaWalnut caterpillar, another member of the Datana with similar larval and appearance; both are late-season defoliators with gregarious larvae
Other Datana speciesMultiple in North America share similar and as prominent larvae feeding on hardwood foliage; examination often required for definitive identification

More Details

MONA/Hodges Number

7904

Taxonomic History

Described by H. Edwards in 1884; accepted status confirmed in major taxonomic databases including GBIF, Catalogue of Life, and NCBI