Notodontidae Archives

Notodontidae - Prominent Moths

There are around 3,500 species of medium-sized moths in this family. Prominent moths are nocturnal and are found in all parts of the world, but the largest number of species are found in tropical areas in the New World.

Most of the moths in this family are gray, olive green, tan, or brown. Some species have black spots or streaks.

Most species have thick, furry bodies and long, narrow forewings. Most of the moths in this family fold their wings in a tent shape when they are at rest.

Many species have tufts of hair on their forewings that poke up when the moth’s wings are folded. Many of the caterpillars in this family raise both ends of their body when they are disturbed.

Larvae in this family pupate underground.

Angus's Datana Moth
(Datana angusii)

Angus's datana moth is found in North America.
Oak Marbled Brown
(Drymonia querna)

The oak marbled brown is found in the Middle East and Europe.
Plumed Prominent
(Ptilophora plumigera)

The plumed prominent is found in Europe and Asia.
Saddled Prominent
(Heterocampa guttivitta)

The saddle prominent is found in Canada and the U.S. It is found in Nw Hampshire.
Buff-Tip Moth
(Phalera bucephala)

The buff-tip moth is found throughout Europe and in Asia to eastern Siberia.
Oak Processionary
(Thaumetopoea processionea)

The oak processionary is found in central and southern Europe.
Pine Processionary
(Thaumetopoea pityocampa)

The pine processionary is found in Central Asia, North Africa and southern Europe.