The Fingered Dagger Moth is a medium-sized noctuid with white-gray forewings bearing the characteristic black dagger streak of the Acronicta genus, plus additional markings. Its distinctive caterpillar bears long hair pencils of white and black and is one of the showiest dagger moth larvae in the Northeast. It is frequently attracted to lights in summer.
Best time to see a Fingered Dagger Moth
The best time to see a Fingered Dagger Moth is August–September, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,213 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Fingered Dagger Moth sightings near you
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