American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Deciduous forests, woodlands, parks, and suburban landscapes across Eastern and Central North America

Herbivorous; feeds on leaves of broadleaf trees such as oak, maple, birch, elm, and willow

Solitary feeder during late summer and autumn; active during the day and night before crawling down tree trunks to spin a silky cocoon in leaf litter or crevices for pupation

The yellow setae (hairs) contain mild urticating properties that can cause skin irritation or itching upon handling; ecologically serves as a food source for birds and parasitoid wasps, and adults act as minor pollinators