American Dagger Moth caterpillar (Acronicta americana)

This lemon yellow caterpillar isn't hard to spot on the bark of a tree but when on the ground with the colorful leaves of autumn, it's camouflage is very effective. Because it appears to be cute and fuzzy, people want to touch it. Not a good idea....although it doesn't have the ability to sting, the hollow hairs, when touched, break off and secrete a poison that can cause a severe allergic reaction.

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Awesome species intro. It's good to add the word of warning. Some hairy caterpillars have hairs so thin that they can travel inside the human body and pierce internal organs. By chance I came across this one on a travel...

http://www.jungledragon.com/specie/135/giant_silkworm_moth.html

...and only learned afterwards that it is the deadliest caterpillar known. Posted 10 years ago
1. Deb Cappello
  
  Snow Leopard
  
  Thanks Ferdy...many caterpillars (like this one) are a common site in my yard and I never gave them much thought, other then the fact that they are beautiful. But since I have joined this wonderful site, I have learned so much in such a small amount of time! Not too long ago, when I was getting frustrated about not being able to identify species, you told me that once I started to ID the species of my photos, it would not only make me a better photographer but that it would also be a great teaching tool. You were absolutely right! I am now able to correctly identify many different species of plants and critters! Thank you so much! Posted 10 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Becoming species aware is the ultimate compliment to this site, Deb, so thank you. It means not only that you like the site, the site has actually changed you. Hopefully it also triggers your "collector" gene, where you obsess over spotting and sharing new species :) Thanks for being a member! Posted 10 years ago