The azalea caterpillar, Datana major G & R, is found in Florida from July through October on
azaleas (Rhododendron spp.). Often, the caterpillars completely defoliate much of the plant
before they are detected. While the caterpillar appears hairy, it is harmless to humans and can
be picked off the bushes by hand.
The caterpillar is found in Florida as far south as Polk and Hillsborough Counties.
Rhododendron spp. are the only known hosts in Florida. Nationwide, it is limited to the
southeastern quarter of the United States as far north as Maryland. The caterpillars seem to
prefer indica azaleas, but has been reported on blueberry in Delaware, red oak in Maryland,
and andromeda and apple in the mid-Atlantic states (Johnson and Lyon 1991).
Eggs: Eggs are deposited by the female moth in late spring in masses of 80 to 100 on the
underside of the leaf.
eggs
Larvae: The first instar caterpillars feed in a cluster side by side unless disturbed. The first
instar caterpillars are approximately 3/8 inch long after feeding for eight to ten hours. They
remain gregarious and soon devour the entire leaf.
The first instar caterpillar is yellow with seven red longitudinal stripes and a black head. As
the larva matures it becomes highly colored. The mature caterpillar is about two inches long,
and predominately black, with a red last segment and eight broken yellow (occasionally white)
lengthwise stripes. The head and legs are mahogany-red.
young larvae
mature larva
Adult: The adult moth is light brown with a wing expanse of 1 3/4 inches.
adult
The semi-skeletonized leaves dry up, turn brown, and remain on the plant for several days.
If disturbed some of the caterpillars drop one or two inches below the infested leaf and hang by
a silken thread. When it is disturbed, the caterpillar raises its front and rear ends into the air.
Young larvae skeletonize the leaves and the larger ones eat the entire leaf. In some parts of the
South there may be a partial second generation, but one generation is usually the rule. It is
thought to overwinter in the pupa stage (Johnson and Lyon 1991).
Most of the damage in the southeast United States occurs in August and September, but in
Florida it continues through October. (Johnson and Lyon 1991).
Insect Management Guide for landscape plants
Authors: G.W. Dekle, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, and Thomas R. Fasulo, University of Florida
Originally published as DPI Entomology Circular 6. Updated for this publication.
Photographs: James Baker, North Carolina State University and the University of Florida
Project Coordinator: Thomas R. Fasulo, University of Florida
Publication Number: EENY-137
Publication Date: June 2000. Latest revision: July 2007.
Copyright 2007 University of Florida
Featured Creatures
Department of Entomology and Nematology
Division of Plant Industry
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