Sunday, September 12, 2010

Smeared Dagger Moth Caterpillar

Dagger moths are common white and grey moths in the family Noctuidae. There are 79 different types of dagger moths in North America. Although most of the adult moth forms look similar the larval form, or caterpillars look very different.
The smeared dagger moth is found in the eastern portions of North America. The smeared dagger Caterpillar can usually be found on host plants such as deciduous and fruit trees, clover, strawberry and willow. Although they are very colorful it is unwise to pick them up because they do have the ability to sting.

14 comments:

Jama said...

The colors are so pretty!

Joanne Olivieri said...

Extraordinary details in these shots. Wow!

Anonymous said...

Nice & pretty!

margie said...

this is favourite today. love it.

Rachel said...

I just discovered your blog, visiting from Marco Monday, love what I see. I love your concept and design. I really like learning more about what you are photographing. And its always great to find another fellow Minnesotan blogger.

Maaike said...

verry nice!

Cecilia Artista said...

Great shots and beautiful colors!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Oh s very pretty!!! Cathy

Charmaine Poulin said...

Beautiful shots....and thanks for the info too!

Roan said...

He's a beauty!

Helena said...

These are really amazing shots! It feels like you can just reach out and touch them!

B i r g i t t a said...

How artistic of nature :)
http://foto.rudenius.se/post/2010/09/13/Macro-Monday.aspx

"Lillagul" said...

Great colors and shots on that hairy caterpillar !
Have a nice monday :)

Anonymous said...

HI my name is Sara I live in Weld Co Colorado. These past couple of weekends I have had a moth perch out in front of my home. I believe it to be some form of Dagger Moth but what puzzles me is the orange colorning on the under side and the lower (hidden per se) wings. If anyone can give me a clue as to this ones particular catogory I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me @fey_inc@yahoo.com