Tag: Datana major

Insect Update: On return from Arizona I was surprised to find the azalea caterpillar moths (Datana major) still chowing down on the Formosa azalea. They are in their final instar, and the mass is becoming much less organized. Individuals are beginning to climb down the branches, where they will pupate and overwinter in the leaf litter at the base of the shrubs.

In this photo, the caterpillar is clinging to the central vein of a denuded leaf using only its prolegs, which act like suction cups. All six of its chitinous true legs (count ‘em!) are flung upward in a defensive posture. 

Please click the photo for an enlarged view. Other photos in the series showing their development can be viewed by clicking here, here, and here. 

Insect Update: On return from Arizona I was surprised to find the azalea caterpillar moths (Datana major) still chowing down on the Formosa azalea. They are in their final instar, and the mass is becoming much less organized. Individuals are beginning to climb down the branches, where they will pupate and overwinter in the leaf litter at the base of the shrubs.

In this photo, the caterpillar is clinging to the central vein of a denuded leaf using only its prolegs, which act like suction cups. All six of its chitinous true legs (count ‘em!) are flung upward in a defensive posture. 

Please click the photo for an enlarged view. Other photos in the series showing their development can be viewed by clicking here, here, and here. 

Follow Up No. 2: I’ve been enjoying observing this season’s azalea caterpillars (Datana major) at FatChance Manor (see previous posts here, and here). At this stage they spend most of their time massed together, wriggling and writhing on whatever azalea leaf they are devouring. But when they are disturbed they immediately rear their fuzzy heads and pronged abdomens, and all motion suddenly stops. The cohort moves together to create a startling alarm display. 

Please click photo for full view. 

Follow Up No. 2: I’ve been enjoying observing this season’s azalea caterpillars (Datana major) at FatChance Manor (see previous posts here, and here). At this stage they spend most of their time massed together, wriggling and writhing on whatever azalea leaf they are devouring. But when they are disturbed they immediately rear their fuzzy heads and pronged abdomens, and all motion suddenly stops. The cohort moves together to create a startling alarm display. 

Please click photo for full view. 

Early instar larvae of the azalea caterpillar moth (Datana major). As the curious formation of its common name suggests, this critter is more notable for its larval phases than its somewhat dull adult stage. These caterpillars will become more vividly colored in later instars.

I hope they eat fast. We leave for Flagstaff in just four days. 

Photographed on my Formosa azaleas, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Please click photo for full view. 

Early instar larvae of the azalea caterpillar moth (Datana major). As the curious formation of its common name suggests, this critter is more notable for its larval phases than its somewhat dull adult stage. These caterpillars will become more vividly colored in later instars.

I hope they eat fast. We leave for Flagstaff in just four days. 

Photographed on my Formosa azaleas, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Please click photo for full view.