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American Dagger Moth (Acronicta americana)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the American Dagger Moth


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The large adult American Dagger Moth may seem harmless, but its bristly, stinging caterpillar has a reputation for teaching small children not to touch everything they see.



Updated: 10/17/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
The largest of the Dagger Moths at over 50 mm (2 inches) in length, the American Dagger Moth is found east of the Rocky Mountains. It is most active from spring to early autumn and can be found in areas with deciduous trees like parks, backyards, forests and woodlands.

The adult may be considered drab in appearance compared to its larval form, but definitely charming in its own way. Its wings and upper legs are covered in grayish-white hairs. Faint black lines zigzag up and down the forewings, and a thin, black ring is centered close to the edge of each wing. A white band scallops along the lower part of the forewings and the bottom edges of the wings have a black and white checkered fringe.

The caterpillar has a more remarkable appearance and size. Also about 50 mm (2 inches) long, it is completely covered in bright yellow/green bristles. Four long bunches of black bristles, like long eyelashes, extend from the body near the head and midsection. A fifth bunch of these extra-long, black bristles comes out near the rear of the caterpillar. The bristles break off and embed themselves into skin. Toxins stored inside the hairs have a stinging sensation if touched. Many curious children have unwittingly picked up these big, fuzzy, bright creatures and consequently experienced a burning, itching sensation on their skin which can develop into a rash. These irritating larvae feed on the leaves of a variety of popular neighborhood trees like oak, ash, elm, alder, willow and maple. They may be found on the ground near them. Since their food source can usually be found in close proximity to backyards and schoolyards, the likelihood of an encounter with people is high. The American Dagger caterpillar is a great reason why it is best to "Look it up before you pick it up"!©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Insect stinger icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Noctuidae
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          Genus: Acronicta
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            Species: americana

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Acronicta americana
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 50mm to 65mm (1.96" to 2.55")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; gray; white; yellow; black
Descriptors: speckled; flying; fuzzy; stinging


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 50mm (2.0in) and 65mm (2.6in)
Lo: 50mm
Md: 57.5mm
Hi: 65mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the American Dagger Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the American Dagger Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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