American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and orchards. They are often found on host trees like oak, elm, maple, and willow.

Herbivorous. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, with a preference for oak, maple, elm, birch, ash, and willow.

These caterpillars are solitary feeders. When mature, they pupate in a cocoon made of silk and their own hairs, usually in a sheltered location like under bark or in leaf litter. The adult moths are nocturnal.

The hairs on these caterpillars can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals upon contact, due to their urticating properties. They are not known to be a significant pest, and as part of the food chain, they contribute to the ecosystem as a food source for birds and other predators.