This dagger moth caterpillar is also named Smartweed Caterpillar, and in fact it was photographed on smartweed in mid-August on the flood plain of Fontenelle Forest. It is highly variable in coloration. It can be black, red or yellow with “v” shaped yellow markings on its sides and white spiky tufts. It grows to 1.5 inches. The adult moth has peppery gray forewings with blurry dark streaks throughout the wings. The jagged PM line is indistinct and accented with dark gray triangles. The hindwings are pale tan. It has a wingspan of about 1.5 to 2 inches.
The abundance of this species in our nature centers is not yet known. The first inividual (Photo A ) was photographed in 2013. The caterpillar in Photos B, C, and D were photographed in September 2016. It is generally known as an Eastern North America species, appearing as a caterpillar from May through October.
Care should be taken when handling this caterpillar – it’s spiky tufts will sting. Food plants include many trees, shrubs and forbs such as Smartweed and Boneset. Photos B, C, and D show an individual on Boneset leaves that were growing in the wetlands Insect Garden.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.