About Datana major Grote & Robinson, 1866
Datana major Grote & Robinson, 1866, commonly known as the major datana or azalea caterpillar, is a moth species belonging to the family Notodontidae. Its range extends from Maryland to Florida in the eastern United States, and westward to Kansas and Arkansas. The wingspan of adult moths measures between 40 and 50 mm. Adult Datana major are active in flight from June through August. This species typically produces one generation per year, though a partial second generation can occur in the southern portion of its range. The caterpillar larvae of this species feed primarily on plants of the genus Rhododendron and on bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia).
