Dagger Caterpillar spotted Macomb, MI - Ask Extension
Spotted this caterpillar a few days ago at my house while trimming trees. Can you confirm if it is a dagger moth caterpillar? Is this uncommon? Will i...
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Dagger Caterpillar spotted Macomb, MI #878071
Asked July 20, 2024, 10:24 PM EDT
Spotted this caterpillar a few days ago at my house while trimming trees. Can you confirm if it is a dagger moth caterpillar? Is this uncommon? Will it kill my maple trees?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi John -
I hope you destroyed that caterpillar. It is indeed the larva form of the American Dagger Moth. It is native to North America and is found in Michigan. It will eat the leaves of Maples, Oaks, Alder, Ash, Elm, Birch, and other deciduous trees. Caterpillars are voracious eaters, but unless your tree is very small, I don't think it would kill it.
https://entomology.unl.edu/scilit/Kelsey%20Larsen%20Courtney%20Bahe%20American%20Dagger%20Moth.pdf
I hope this helps.
I hope you destroyed that caterpillar. It is indeed the larva form of the American Dagger Moth. It is native to North America and is found in Michigan. It will eat the leaves of Maples, Oaks, Alder, Ash, Elm, Birch, and other deciduous trees. Caterpillars are voracious eaters, but unless your tree is very small, I don't think it would kill it.
https://entomology.unl.edu/scilit/Kelsey%20Larsen%20Courtney%20Bahe%20American%20Dagger%20Moth.pdf
I hope this helps.
