Angus' Datana Caterpillar is often seen on or near walnut trees, one of its favorite host plants. White wispy hairs all over the body suggest it could sting, but it is not clearly documented anywhere as a stinging caterpillar. Nonetheless, it is suggested that physical contact be avoided. The black head is easy to see, and its long black body has thin, white or possibly yellow lines running the length of it: three are mostly on the 'back' and each side has one just above the red and black legs.
It is not unusual to find this caterpillar literally hanging out with others like it. When threatened, it hangs upside down, grasps the plant with its back end and curls its head upward. This spreads out the true legs (front pairs) in a menacing posture (for a caterpillar) and gives it a 'J' shape. Because this hungry caterpillar can eat through leaves in a flash, a congregation of them on a walnut tree is considered an infestation.
This caterpillar becomes the Angus' Datana Moth after it pupates. It is coppery brown with rows of thin, dark brown lines crossing its wings. A large fluff of dark brown hairs on the thorax make it hard to see its head.©CaterpillarIdentification.org
The map above showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Angus' Datana Moth Caterpillar may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some species are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America.*NOTE: States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Angus' Datana Moth Caterpillar. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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