The Funerary Dagger Moth is a somber, dark gray moth with bold black dagger markings and black-and-white speckled wings that provide excellent bark camouflage. Its caterpillar is jet black with red spots and long wispy hair, one of the most striking of all dagger moth larvae. It is associated with oaks and other hardwoods in the East.
Best time to see a Funerary Dagger Moth
The best time to see a Funerary Dagger Moth is June–August, when about 73% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,230 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Funerary Dagger Moth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Funerary Dagger Moth sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Funerary Dagger Moth? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Funerary Dagger Moth is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.