The American Dagger Moth is the largest dagger moth in North America with a wingspan of 2 to 2.5 inches. The forewing is gray with a jagged white postmedian line edged with black. The only black dash (dagger) is in the anal area. The hindwing is light gray with a darker median line. The larva grows to 2.5 inches and is covered with thick white or pale yellow hair. There are thin, long black lashes on the thorax and on the top of abdominal segment 8. The head is shiny black.
The frequency of occurrence is not known, but the individual shown here was photographed in early August at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. It can be seen from April to September.
The larva eats the leaves of many trees including ash, basswood, box elder, elm, hickory, maple, oak, redbud, sycamore, walnut and willow. The caterpillars are leaf skeletonizers.
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