Dagger Moths

Acronicta

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acronicta: /ˌækrəˈnɪktə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Acronicta americana by Joseph Berger, , Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.
CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CXXVI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.
Acronicta albarufa2 by USDA. Used under a Public domain license.
Acronicta americana caterpillar 3 by Nadiatalent. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
- 9208 – Acronicta betulae – Birch Dagger Moth caterpillar - 48760106822 by Wildreturn. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
- 9254 – Acronicta afflicta – Afflicted Dagger Moth (46880917815) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Acronicta is a diverse genus of dagger moths with approximately 150 species present mainly in temperate regions. The caterpillars are easily identifiable due to their hairy, colorful morphology and may pose health risks upon contact.

Physical Characteristics

Eyes are naked and without eyelashes; proboscis fully developed; simple antennae in both sexes; thorax and abdomen tuftless; abdomen with long coarse hair on the dorsal part of proximal segments; spineless legs; forewings with non-crenulate cilia; inner margin slightly lobed towards base.

Identification Tips

Most species have one or more black dagger-shaped markings on their forewing uppersides; some species have a conspicuous dark ring marking instead.

Habitat

Temperate Holarctic regions and adjacent subtropical areas, typically found on common foliate trees.

Distribution

Represented throughout North America and also occurs in Eurasia.

Diet

Caterpillars feed on common foliate trees; some may be distasteful due to bright colors and hairy spikes.

Life Cycle

Incomplete metamorphosis, with distinct egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult stages; caterpillars are easily recognizable and often feed visibly.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, they play a role in the food web, influencing plant growth and providing prey for other fauna.

Health Concerns

Caterpillars may cause itchy, painful, swollen rash in humans on contact due to poisonous hairy spikes.

Collecting Methods

  • Light trapping
  • Net collection during daylight on foliage

Preservation Methods

  • Pinned specimens
  • Spread and dried specimens

Evolution

The genus was established by Carl Linnaeus in the 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some people may confuse the species with other moths due to the diversity in markings.

Tags

  • Dagger Moths
  • Lepidoptera
  • Noctuidae
  • Acronicta
  • Caterpillars