Datana ministra
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Datana ministra |
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| ( Drury , 1773) |
Datana ministra is a butterfly ( moth )foundin North America fromthe tooth moth family (Notodontidae).
features
butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of 40 to 53 millimeters. The color of the upper forewing varies from gray-brown to nut-brown and shows five thin dark brown transverse lines. The field between the two inner transverse lines is often somewhat darkened. The two outer transverse lines are usually close to each other. A dark discoidal spot is usually only weakly indicated. The upper side of the hind wing is unmarked light gray. The dense red-brown to dark-brown hair on the head and thorax area is striking .
Caterpillar
Adult caterpillars are dark gray in color and have short, whitish tufts of hair on each body segment. They show several strong yellow longitudinal lines. The head capsule is glossy black, the neck is orange-yellow. In English usage, the species is referred to as the Yellow-necked Caterpillar Moth . The legs are have an orange-red color. The caterpillars are sociable. In the event of disturbances or danger, they raise both their head and the rear tip of their body, thus adopting a U-shaped warning posture that is characteristic of many Datana species.
Similar species
The moths of Datana major differ by the darker upper side of the hind wing, Datana integerrima shows only four brown transverse lines on the upper side of the fore wing.
distribution and habitat
Datana ministra occurs in southeast and southwest Canada, as well as in the eastern, southeastern and some central regions of the United States . The population in California is represented by the subspecies Datana ministra californica . The species mainly inhabits deciduous forests and orchards.
Way of life
The nocturnal, univoltine moths can be found in June and July. You visit artificial light sources . The eggs are white and are deposited in mirrors of about a hundred pieces on the underside of leaves of the food plant. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, including linden ( Tilia ), birch ( Betula ), elm ( Ulmus ), oak ( Quercus ), maple ( Acer ), mountain ash ( Sorbus ) and walnut species ( Juglans ) as well as fruit trees . Freshly hatched caterpillars skeletonize the foliage. Defoliation occurs first at the edge of the tree canopy. Fully grown caterpillars will eat all parts of the infected leaves, with the exception of the larger central ribs. Ornamental and fruit trees are sometimes permanently defoliated. Damage to trees in the forest, on the other hand, is rare. The caterpillars are attacked by several types of parasites , particularly parasitic wasps, and various diseases. The caterpillars also eat some bird species. Insecticides are only occasionally used for control. The pupae overwinter in the ground.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Information from Iowa State University on Art
- ↑ a b c d e Information from PennState Entomological Notes, Department of Entomology
- ↑ subspecies
Web links
- ITIS Report - Taxonomy
- butterfliesandmoths - Butterflies and Moths of North America