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.