American Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 9/13/2025