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American Dagger Moth caterpillar

Acronicta americana

Photo by Dan Doucette
Published on Project Noah
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43.067, -79.0735

Field Notes

Description:

The young caterpillar is densely covered with yellow setae. The older caterpillar's setae are either pale yellow or white. All instars have thin, black setae on the first and third abdominal segments. On the eight abdominal segment, there is one tuft of black setae. The caterpillar will reach a length 50 mm.

Habitat:

urban garden

Notes:

I spotted this walking on some grass near the road in front of Oak Hall under a huge maple tree. Perhaps it fell out of the tree?

Reference Links:

Acronicta americana

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)
Dan Doucette
That's great to hear, that you've been searching already, thanks. These ones might be really hard to ID.
AmberLundeen
I've actually been looking for some of these but as of yet haven't come up with anything - I'll keep searching though
Dan Doucette
Amber, you've been a great help on ID'ing some of my insects. I'd be curious if you have any ideas for these unknown caterpillars from outside of N. America. Whenever you have time, I appreciate any help. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6320490 http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6004012 http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6382004 http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6030685

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World

Tags

Photographed
PublishedAugust 12, 2011

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