American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Deciduous forests, woodlands, and backyards across North America

Leaves of various deciduous trees including oak, ash, elm, maple, and willow

Active from late summer to autumn; crawls to the ground to spin a cocoon and overwinter as a pupa

Hairs (setae) can cause skin irritation or a painful rash (hives) in sensitive individuals; beneficial as a food source for birds and as a native pollinator in its moth stage