The American Dagger Moth is a medium-sized noctuid with gray, black-streaked wings and a distinctive dagger-like black streak on its forewing. Its caterpillar is a familiar and striking creature: bright yellow with long white or black hair pencils and is commonly encountered in fall. The hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive people.
Best time to see a American Dagger Moth
The best time to see a American Dagger Moth is August–September, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 26,594 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Dagger Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Dagger Moth sightings near you
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