American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas wherever host trees are present.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, including maple, oak, elm, birch, willow, and often sycamore (seen in the image).

Behavior Patterns

The caterpillars are solitary feeders. When mature, they pupate in a cocoon made of silk and their own hairs, often in leaf litter or loose bark. The adult moths are nocturnal. The bright yellow coloration and long hairs of the caterpillar may serve as a warning to predators.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: The hairs of the caterpillar can cause skin irritation or a rash (dermatitis) in some sensitive individuals if handled, though they are generally not considered highly venomous. Potential benefits: As with many insect larvae, they serve as a food source for birds and other insectivores, playing a role in the food web. Adult moths are pollinators, though not significant ones.

Identified on: 10/1/2025