Danaës

Danaës is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae. The genus was described by Jacob Hübner in 1821. The type species is Phalana olitaria by designation of the Lepidopterists' Society.

Danaës moths are generally medium-sized with a wingspan typically ranging from 2 to 3 centimeters. Their coloration varies, but many species exhibit patterns of brown, gray, or yellowish hues, often with intricate markings that provide camouflage against tree bark or foliage. The larvae of Danaës moths, like other geometrids, are known as inchworms or loopers due to their peculiar method of locomotion, where they move by arching their bodies and bringing their hind legs forward.

The distribution of Danaës species is primarily across the Holarctic region, with a significant presence in Europe and North America. They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, and meadows. The host plants for the larvae are diverse, often including deciduous trees and shrubs. Adult moths are typically nocturnal or crepuscular, feeding on nectar from flowers.

The genus Danaës includes several species, though precise taxonomic classifications and species counts can vary among entomological sources. Research into this genus often focuses on their ecological roles, such as being a food source for birds and other predators, and their contribution to pollination. Their life cycle, involving egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, follows the typical pattern for moths.