Acronicta mansueta
Smith, 1897
gentle dagger moth
Acronicta mansueta, commonly known as the gentle dagger , is a of in the . First described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1897, it was treated as a synonym of Acronicta falcula for much of the 20th century before being reinstated as a valid species in 2011. The species is widespread across western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acronicta mansueta: /ˌækrəˈnɪktə mænˈswetə/
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Identification
Acronicta mansueta can be distinguished from the similar Acronicta falcula, with which it was formerly synonymized, by subtle morphological differences that led to its reinstatement as a valid in 2011. The specific diagnostic characters separating these species are not detailed in available sources. Within the Acronicta, identification to species level typically requires examination of and pattern details.
Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of 30–32 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Specific preferences are not documented in available sources. Based on its distribution across western North America, it likely occupies a range of terrestrial habitats including forests and shrublands.
Distribution
Widespread in western North America, ranging from southern Saskatchewan west to southern British Columbia, and south to at least Colorado and California. Records also exist from Alberta, Canada.
Seasonality
are on from June to September, with timing varying by location.
Similar Taxa
- Acronicta falculaFormerly considered with A. mansueta; the two were synonymized until 2011 when A. mansueta was reinstated as a valid based on morphological differences.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Acronicta mansueta was originally described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1897. It was subsequently treated as a synonym of Acronicta falcula for many decades, but was reinstated as a valid in 2011 based on renewed examination of and morphological differences.