COTTONWOOD DAGGER MOTH

COTTONWOOD DAGGER MOTH

Acronicta lepusculina
(Noctuidea)

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This caterpillar has either bright yellow or white long hairs, with black tufts standing straight up. It feeds on cotoonwood and willows in our area. The adult moth has a 1.5 to 2 inch wingspan and is one inch in length. The forewing is light gray and is covered with darker gray scales. The black anal dash forms a spot that cuts through the post-median line.

 

This specimen was photographed on Hidden Lake Trail in Fontenelle Forest. It is found from coast to coast on our continent, but rarely seen.

 

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