American Dagger Moth

Caterpillar of American Dagger Moth, Acronicta americana

The American Dagger Moth caterpillar is densely covered in yellow to white hairs with black lashes on the first and third segment, plus an unpaired lash on the eighth segment. They feed on a variety of trees including box elder, elm, ash, oas, hickory, walnut, and other deciduous trees. The general rule of "never touching fuzzy caterpillars" applies to this species which has toxins in the hairs that can cause irritation. The caterpillars are generally seen close to June through October with two broods in the South. The small, gray moth is seen mostly in the eastern portion of North America from April to September.