Acronicta retardata
Walker, 1861
retarded dagger moth, Maple Dagger
Acronicta retardata, commonly known as the retarded dagger or Maple Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. have a wingspan of 25–32 mm and are active from April to August depending on location. The produces multiple annually. Larvae are specialized feeders on maple leaves, specifically red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acronicta retardata: /ˌækrəˈnɪktə ˌriːtɑːrˈdeɪtə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other dagger moths ( Acronicta) by association with maple plants and geographic range. Specific wing pattern differences from not documented in available sources.
Images
Appearance
wingspan 25–32 mm. Forewings appear layered or double-textured. Coloration and pattern details not specified in sources.
Habitat
Deciduous forest where maple trees occur. Larval development tied to presence of red maple or sugar maple.
Distribution
Eastern North America from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas, north to Manitoba. Records also from Saskatchewan.
Seasonality
active April to August, with timing varying by location. Multiple per year.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves of red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum). feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Acer rubrum - larval food plantred maple
- Acer saccharum - larval food plantsugar maple
Life Cycle
Multiple per year. Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific developmental timing not documented.
Ecological Role
Herbivore in larval stage, consuming maple foliage. Role in as prey for and not documented.
Human Relevance
Not documented as an agricultural or forestry pest. 'retarded dagger ' reflects historical ; 'Maple Dagger' is preferred modern usage.
Similar Taxa
- Acronicta americanaAmerican dagger moth, also in Acronicta, but larvae feed on box elder and other rather than maple
- Acronicta betulaeBirch dagger moth, associated with birch (Betula) rather than maple
- Acronicta radcliffeiRadcliffe's dagger moth, associated with black cherry (Prunus serotina) rather than maple
More Details
Nomenclature note
The 'retarded dagger ' is the historical name from Walker (1861); 'Maple Dagger' is the preferred modern common name reflecting larval association.