WHITE-DOTTED PROMINENT

WHITE-DOTTED PROMINENT

Nadata gibbosa
PROMINENT MOTH FAMILY (Notodontidae)

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The White-Dotted Prominent has a wingspan of 1.6 to 2.25 inches. The forewing is a light brownish-tan with a pair of white circles in the reniform spot. There is a rust-colored line angled across the lower part of the wing and a rust-colored line across the upper part. The hindwings are a plain cream to light tan color. The caterpillar is green with an enlarged head and many white dots covering the abdomen dorsally. There is a weakly developed yellowish sub-dorsal stripe. The mature larva is approximately 2 inches in length.

 

This moth is thought to be common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. The individual shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest in mid-July.

 

The caterpillar is also called Green Oak Caterpillar. The foodplants are primarily oaks, but also maple, plum, rose and willows. When threatened the larva curls up with its head over the abdomen and shows its bright yellow mandibles. It overwinters as a pupa in soil.

 

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