Acronicta ovata

Grote, 1873

ovate dagger moth, Epauleted Oak Dagger

Acronicta ovata is a noctuid with a wingspan of 28–35 mm. are active from June to September, with two or more per year across its broad North American range. The is known for its larval association with hardwood trees, particularly oaks.

Acronicta ovata by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CXXIV by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

- 9243 – Acronicta ovata – Epauleted Ovate Dagger (likely) by Wildreturn. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acronicta ovata: //ˌækroʊˈnɪktə oʊˈvɑːtə//

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

Images

Distribution

Eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia south to North Carolina, west to Texas, and north to Manitoba.

Seasonality

on wing from June to September; timing varies by location. Two or more per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of beech (Fagus), birch (Betula), chestnut (Castanea), and oak (Quercus). diet not documented.

Host Associations

Fagus - larval food plantleaves
Betula - larval food plantleaves
Castanea - larval food plantleaves
Quercus - larval food plantleaves

Life Cycle

Two or more per year; specific developmental stages not documented.