Smeared Dagger
ExploreInsects
Smeared Dagger
Acronicta oblinita
The Smeared Dagger is a special caterpillar that turns into a beautiful moth. It has fuzzy, colorful hairs that help it blend into its surroundings and stay safe from predators.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Smeared Dagger is a medium-sized moth with mottled gray and brown forewings, often marked with darker "dagger" shapes. Its hindwings are plain white. The caterpillar is distinctively black with yellow bands and rows of long, stiff, reddish-brown urticating hairs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusAcronicta
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It builds a cozy cocoon out of silk and its own irritating hairs.
The adult moth doesn't eat, only sips nectar, saving its energy for laying eggs!
The caterpillar can munch on leaves for weeks before turning into a moth!
You can spot this moth flying around at night during warmer months.
Special abilities
Ability
Sneaky Shades
The adult moth's mottled wings blend perfectly with tree bark, helping it hide from predators during the day.
Ability
Leafy Feaster
Its caterpillars can eat leaves from many different plants, helping them find food in diverse habitats.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As a caterpillar, it loves to munch on leaves from various wetland plants and trees!
Age differences: Yes, caterpillars eat leaves, while adult moths primarily seek nectar or do not feed.
Primary Foods
- Willow leaves
- Alder leaves
- Maple leaves
- Cranberry leaves
- Dogwood leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Black Willow
Salix nigra
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eats
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Larvae consume its foliage.
eaten by
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Sparrows might prey on adult moths or caterpillars.
parasitizes
Tobacco Hornworm Parasitoid Wasp
Cotesia congregata
Wasp larvae grow inside the caterpillar.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Don't touch caterpillars without asking an adult, as some can be prickly or have hairs that irritate the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smeared Dagger's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Smeared Dagger?
15-20 mm
How long does Smeared Dagger live?
10-20 days
How fast can Smeared Dagger fly?
8 km/h
What does Smeared Dagger eat?
As a caterpillar, it loves to munch on leaves from various wetland plants and trees!
Where is Smeared Dagger usually found?
Forests
How does Smeared Dagger hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Smeared Dagger have?
6
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