Thought I found a dead leaf stuck in an oak the other day, but it was actually a moth! I believe this is a Spotted Datana Moth (Datana perspicua) which gets its name from the darkish spot about half way up the side of its wing. This species is found throughout the eastern half of the US and much of the southwestern US as well.
The moths belonging to this genus (Datana) are all camouflaged to look like dried up leaves. Many individuals will even develop rough ring edges to appear more like a dead leave which has been chewed on. Members of this genus often appear to be missing a head, but the head is definitely there! It is actually the fuzzy red part at the front of the insect which looks like part of the thorax. The head is oriented downwards, so the eyes and antennae are located at the bottom of the head closer to its leaf perch. Keep an eye out for cool moths this week since it’s Moth Week! #mothweek#moth#mothweek2022#mothspecies#nativemoth#lepidoptera#datanamoth#spotteddatanamoth#spotteddatana#nativeinsect#wildlife#nativewildlife#science#ecology#entomology#mothsofnewmexico#insectsofnewmexico