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American Dagger Moth

What is american dagger moth?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Acronicta americana[1]
Family Noctuidae[1]
Native range North America, east of the Rocky Mountains[1]
Described by Thaddeus William Harris, 1841[1]
Flight period April–September[4]

The American dagger moth is *Acronicta americana*, a North American moth in the family Noctuidae, named for dagger-shaped markings on its forewings [2].

Context

The American dagger moth (*Acronicta americana*) is a member of the Noctuidae family and is native to North America, particularly east of the Rocky Mountains [1]. It was first described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841 [1]. The adult moth flies from April to September [4]. Its caterpillars are known to feed on hardwood tree leaves, including alder, ash, elm, maple, oak, and willow [2]. The species is typically found in deciduous woodlands and forests [3].

Documented claims

  • The name comes from forewing markings that resemble daggers. [2]
  • Caterpillars feed on leaves of hardwood trees such as alder, ash, elm, maple, oak, and willow. [2]
  • The species is associated with deciduous woodlands and forests. [3]

Related

Rosy Maple MothBoth are North American moths with distinctive larval stages.Cecropia MothBoth are large moths found in similar habitats.

Questions and answers

Why is it called a dagger moth?

It is called a dagger moth because the markings on its forewings resemble daggers [2].

Are American dagger moth caterpillars poisonous?

The caterpillars have stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation, but they are not considered deadly [5].

Sources

  1. Colorado Insect of Interest - American Dagger Moth — webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. American Dagger Moth | K-State - Butler County Extension Office — butler.k-state.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. American dagger moth - Minnesota Seasons — minnesotaseasons.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. American Dagger Moth Acronicta americana (Harris, 1841) — butterfliesandmoths.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Are American Dagger Moth Caterpillars Dangerous? - Butterflyhobbyist — butterflyhobbyist.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature