American Dagger Moth

This unique caterpillar was brought into my office this week for identification. The American Dagger Moth is a striking caterpillar with its bright yellow to white fuzzy hair and five long black “seta” or hair-like structures. This moth gets its name because the markings on it’s forewings resemble daggers, you need to have a good imagination to actually see the “daggers”. The wings of the moth are a light brown with faint black zig zags throughout the wings and faint white band with black spots. This insect is native to the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and can be found in Kansas although it is more common in the SE part of the United States. They can be found most commonly on elms, maples, ash, oaks, willows and any hardwood tree. The American Dagger moth is not typically a pest we need to control in trees and shrubs except on very rare occasions. Like many insects the hairs of this caterpillar can cause skin irritation, rashes and occasionally an allergic reaction so I would avoid picking the caterpillars up by hand and touching them.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu