Observation date: August 31, 2017
Submitted by: mrgmag
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Caterpillar apparently fell on me from an overhead branch of a box elder tree while I was camping in Rifle Falls State Park near Rifle, CO. Not knowing what it was, I decided to put it back in the tree without touching it. Apparently that decision turned out to be a wise one since touching it can cause a rash. According to the Wikipedia article, "The American dagger moth is found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains," but this one was on the Western Slope of the Rockies.
Status: Resident
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: October 31, 2017
Coordinator notes: You are correct in your identification of this caterpillar - one of the most frequently submitted late in the summer. Thanks, Mike
