Acronicta falcula
Grote, 1877
corylus dagger moth, Hazel Dagger
Acronicta falcula is a North American noctuid commonly known as the corylus dagger moth or Hazel Dagger. The was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877 and occurs primarily in the northeastern and north-central United States and adjacent Canada. It is associated with Corylus (hazel) species, on which its larvae feed. The species is considered rare in some parts of its range and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acronicta falcula: /ɑːˈkroʊnɪktə ˈfælkjʊlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The specific wing markings and pattern details that would distinguish Acronicta falcula from other Acronicta are not clearly documented in available sources. The species can be identified by its association with Corylus plants and its geographic range in the northeastern and north-central United States.
Images
Habitat
Associated with areas where Corylus (hazel) occur. Specific preferences beyond plant presence are not well documented.
Distribution
United States and Canada from southern New England west to southern Manitoba and Iowa. Documented from Wisconsin, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and Michigan. Reported as rare in Ohio. Listed as a of special concern in Connecticut.
Seasonality
Probably with two occurring in approximately May and July to August in most of its range.
Diet
Larvae feed on the foliage of Corylus (hazel). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Corylus - larval plantLarvae feed on foliage
Life Cycle
Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific details of the are not well documented beyond the probable pattern.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on Corylus . Specific ecological impacts or interactions are not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or medical significance. The is of conservation concern in Connecticut due to its rarity there.
Similar Taxa
- Acronicta mansuetaFormerly treated as a synonym of A. falcula but reinstated as a valid . Distinguished by morphological differences not specified in available sources.
- Acronicta parallelaFormerly treated as a synonym of A. falcula but reinstated as a valid . Distinguished by morphological differences not specified in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Acronicta mansueta Smith, 1897 and Acronicta parallela Grote, 1879 were originally placed as synonyms of Acronicta falcula, but were later reinstated as valid .
Conservation status
Listed as a of special concern in the US state of Connecticut.