Acronicta immodica
Medium Dagger, Medium Oak Dagger
Acronicta immodica is an owlet moth in the Noctuidae, commonly known as the medium dagger or medium oak dagger. The occurs in eastern North America. It was renamed from Acronicta modica in a recent taxonomic revision when the of A. modica was determined to actually represent Acronicta haesitata, necessitating the new name A. immodica for this species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acronicta immodica: //ˌækrəˈnɪktə ɪˈmɒdɪkə//
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Identification
The can be distinguished from similar dagger moths (Acronicta spp.) by a combination of size, wing pattern, and geographic range. The 'medium dagger' reflects its intermediate size relative to other dagger species. The species was formerly confused with A. haesitata (hesitant dagger moth) due to historical misidentification of .
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America. The has been documented from Missouri and other eastern states.
Similar Taxa
- Acronicta haesitata (now A. modica)Historically confused due to misidentified ; the hesitant dagger was formerly known as A. haesitata but is now A. modica, while this was renamed A. immodica
- Acronicta americanaAnother North American dagger moth with similar (American dagger moth) and larval
More Details
Taxonomic History
The underwent a recent nomenclatural change when the of Acronicta modica was determined to actually represent Acronicta haesitata. Under priority rules, A. haesitata became a synonym of A. modica, and the species formerly called A. modica (medium dagger ) was renamed A. immodica. This species has MONA/Hodges number 9242.1.