Insect · GBIF taxon 1783008
American Dagger
Acronicta americanaAlso known as American Dagger Moth
American dagger moths are famous for their bristly yellow caterpillars, which feature five prominent long black hair pencils extending along the body. While the grey-brown adults blend seamlessly into hardwood tree bark during the day, larvae actively feed on deciduous foliage throughout late summer. In autumn, caterpillars descend tree trunks to spin tough, silk-reinforced cocoons beneath loose bark or leaf litter where they overwinter.
NocturnalCaterpillarNative
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Maple leaves
- Oak leaves
- Birch leaves
Predators
- Songbirds
- Bats
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsPesticide application, artificial light pollution, severe habitat loss
HabitatsDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban parks, orchards
Life span1 year (full cycle from egg to adult)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNoctuidae
- GenusAcronicta
- SpeciesAcronicta americana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Caterpillar setae cause skin irritation; avoid handling larvae with bare skin.
- Why it is dangerous
- Late-instar caterpillars possess stinging setae embedded within dense yellow hairs that easily break off, causing localized dermatitis, swelling, and itchiness.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognize the larvae by their bright yellow or whitish coat paired with five distinct long, slender black hair pencils along the back.
- What to do
- Observe without touching, or use a leaf or stick to gently relocate caterpillars off walkways.
Responsible observation
- Caterpillar Safety: Do not touch the furry larvae directly, as breaking their bristles triggers skin rashes.
- Spotting Adults: Scan deciduous tree trunks during the daytime for flat, bark-patterned moths resting at rest.
- Winter Protection: Keep fallen leaves and loose bark undisturbed near hardwood trees to safeguard overwintering pupae.
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Species set
Moonlight Marvels
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