What is a yellow fuzzy caterpillar with black spikes?

Answer by  Valentine62 (2131)

Your description resembles the Dagger Moth. The moth blends in with the color of fall leaves and fading wildflowers. The young feed on leaves of different deciduous trees and the moth can produce a rash if touched.

Answer by  jollyliza2004 (43)

A yellow fuzzy caterpillar with black spikes is called a Dagger Moth with a scientific name of Acronicta americana. As a larvae it feeds on leaves of alder, ash, birch, elm and other deciduous trees. Its color blends well with the hue of Fall leaves and dying wildflowers.

Answer by  Puppyluv (173)

It could be a Tussock Moth or it might even be an American Dagger Moth and I would be careful if I were you because I have read that if they are mishandled they can produce an irritating substance that can cause a reaction or a rash on the skin.

Answer by  Nancy (578)

I believe this just might be the American Dagger Moth caterpillar you are talking about. It is aptly named for the spikes that resemble daggers.

Answer by  Anonymous

Yep. It's a Dagger Moth larvae. And it causes a rash! I picked one up today and now have a rash all over my forearms! It's pretty itchy too!

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Try pulling a net search on yellow and black caterpillars and you should get all of them then you will be able to find yours.

Answer by  Oneironaut (31)

The caterpillar you saw was likely the larvae of an American Dagger Moth. It should have a black head, they eat the leaves of many decidious trees, so should be found in an area with those species. The moths are white with black markings.

Answer by  Anonymous

I have one in a jar it is a American Dagger Moth. Right now it is larvae. I had to pick it up with a card!