Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1330746

Spotted Datana
Datana perspicua

Observation date: July 03, 2022
Submitted by: k_bayer
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This is the first year we've noticed this caterpillar. It is very specifically decimating our tiger eye sumac. They appear in large groups on a single plant eating all of the leaves of the plant before moving on to the next plant. I've included a picture of one of the sumacs after the caterpillars have removed all of the leaves. The trumpet vine around the sumac remained untouched by the caterpillars.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: July 03, 2022
Coordinator notes: This is Datana perspicua. Thank you! JAMES STEEN
Checklist region(s): United States, Kansas, Sedgwick County