Acronicta hastulifera
(Smith, 1797)
Frosted Dagger Moth
Acronicta hastulifera, commonly known as the frosted dagger , is a of in the . First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, it is to the northeastern United States with a range extending south to Georgia. The species is part of a complex that includes the large gray dagger moth, and its feed on various hardwood trees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acronicta hastulifera: /əˈkrɒnɪktə hæˌstjuːlɪˈfɪərə/
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Images
Distribution
Northeastern United States, ranging as far south as Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia
Diet
feed on alder, birch, poplar, willow, and other hardwood trees
Host Associations
- alder - larval
- birch - larval
- poplar - larval
- willow - larval
- hardwood trees - larval various
Similar Taxa
- Acronicta betulae (Birch Dagger Moth)Similar and appearance; both are dagger in the same , but A. betulae is specifically associated with birch trees and has a more limited range in the eastern U.S.
- Acronicta americana (American Dagger Moth)Another dagger in the same with similar larval habits on hardwood trees, though with a broader North distribution and distinct markings
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The is part of a referred to as "Frosted and Large Gray Daggers" on iNaturalist, indicating potential identification challenges with closely related species.
Historical Description
The was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797, originally placed in the Phalaena.