American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Natural Habitat

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas with host trees, often found on the leaves of various hardwood trees.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of a variety of deciduous trees, including maple, oak, elm, birch, willow, and others.

Behavior Patterns

The caterpillar is solitary and typically feeds during the day. When disturbed, it may curl up. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, pupating in a cocoon often blended with silk and their own hairs. The adult moth is gray with distinctive black 'dagger' markings on its forewings.

Risks & Benefits

The bristles (setae) on the caterpillar can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some sensitive individuals upon contact. It is generally not considered a significant agricultural pest. As part of the ecosystem, they serve as a food source for birds and other predators and contribute to decomposition by processing plant matter.

Identified on: 9/20/2025