Phalerinae
Guides
Datana californica
California Datana
Datana californica is a moth species in the family Notodontidae, first described by Dyar in 1890. It is native to California and belongs to a genus whose larvae are commonly known as 'hand-maid' or 'walnut' caterpillars due to their gregarious behavior and association with woody plants. The species is part of the subfamily Phalerinae, which includes moths with larvae that feed on various trees and shrubs.
Datana perfusa
Large Datana
Datana perfusa is a species of prominent moth in the family Notodontidae, commonly known as the Large Datana. Described by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1923, this moth is part of a genus whose larvae are well-known defoliators of hardwood trees. The genus Datana includes several species whose caterpillars feed gregariously and are frequently documented as late-season defoliators of oaks and other hardwoods. While specific details for D. perfusa are limited, the genus is characterized by distinctive caterpillars with warning coloration and defensive behaviors.