(Photo) American Dagger Moth caterpillar

While running across Lockwood Park in Skokie yesterday I nearly trampled an American Dagger Moth caterpillar. Very pretty, although the adults aren't much to look at.

Be careful handling these caterpillars--the black septae contain toxins that can give you a skin rash. The yellow septae are harmless.

Related posts:

• Monarch butterfly and goldenrod
• (Photo) Mourning cloak butterfly
• (Photo) Female black swallowtail
• (Photo) Pearl crescent butterfly
• (Photo) Common buckeye butterfly
• American painted lady butterfly
• Tiger swallowtail and thistle

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