Dagger-moth
Guides
Acronicta afflicta
afflicted dagger moth
Acronicta afflicta, commonly known as the afflicted dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species found across eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 36 mm and are active from May to September depending on location. The species is notable for its larval association with oak species (Quercus), distinguishing it ecologically from related dagger moths.
Acronicta albarufa exempta
Acronicta albarufa exempta is a subspecies of dagger moth in the family Noctuidae. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, a diverse group of moths commonly known as dagger moths due to the dagger-like markings on their forewings. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the species A. albarufa. Like other Acronicta species, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with caterpillar and adult moth stages.
Acronicta atristrigatus
Acronicta atristrigatus is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was described by Smith in 1900. The species is recorded from North America and is assigned MONA/Hodges number 9232. As a member of the genus Acronicta, it belongs to a group commonly known as dagger moths, though specific natural history details for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Acronicta australis
Acronicta australis is a moth species in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths), first described by Mustelin and Leuschner in 2000. It is found in North America. The species has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9275.1 for North American moth identification purposes. As a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, it likely shares the characteristic dagger-like markings on the forewings typical of this group, though specific morphological details require direct examination.
Acronicta beameri
Acronicta beameri is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Todd in 1958. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with a recorded wingspan of 37–43 mm. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths.
Acronicta betulae
birch dagger moth, River Birch Dagger
Acronicta betulae, commonly known as the birch dagger moth or River Birch Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are characterized by a distinctive wing appearance described as resembling two layers on the forewings. The species exhibits bivoltine flight periods in spring and late summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on birch leaves, with Betula nigra (river birch) documented as a primary host.
Acronicta browni
Acronicta browni is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, described by Mustelin and Leuschner in 2000. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, characterized by distinctive dark dagger-shaped markings on the forewings of many species. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from California. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have a typical noctuid life cycle with nocturnal adult activity.
Acronicta brumosa
Charred Dagger, charred dagger moth
Acronicta brumosa, commonly known as the charred dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to North America. The species exhibits a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. Larvae are specialized feeders on various Quercus (oak) species. The species was first described by Guenée in 1852.
Acronicta cryptica
Cryptic Oak Dagger
Acronicta cryptica, commonly known as the Cryptic Oak Dagger, is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae. As a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, it shares the characteristic forewing pattern elements typical of this group, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented. The species epithet 'cryptica' suggests a concealing or camouflaged appearance. Available records are sparse, with limited observational data documenting its occurrence.
Acronicta cyanescens
Blue-gray Dagger
Acronicta cyanescens is a medium-sized noctuid moth of western North America, commonly known as the Blue-gray Dagger. First described by George Hampson in 1909, this species is distinguished by its blue-gray coloration and dagger-like markings. Adults are active during summer months, with a single generation per year. The species belongs to a genus whose caterpillars are often called 'dagger moths' due to their distinctive posterior projections.
Acronicta dolli
Doll's Dagger, Doll's dagger moth
Acronicta dolli is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. It is native to North America and is commonly known as Doll's Dagger or Doll's dagger moth. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group characterized by caterpillars with distinctive hair tufts or projections. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 9277.
Acronicta edolata
Acronicta edolata is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1881. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, which are characterized by distinctive dark dagger-shaped markings on their forewings. The species is known from limited records in North America, with confirmed occurrence in Arizona.
Acronicta exilis
exiled dagger moth, Lesser Oak Dagger
Acronicta exilis is a noctuid moth commonly known as the exiled dagger moth or Lesser Oak Dagger. It is native to eastern North America, with documented populations in Iowa, New York, Maryland, Arkansas, Delaware, and Manitoba. The species is associated with oak habitats, as its larvae feed on Quercus species. Like other dagger moths, it likely exhibits typical noctuid life history traits including nocturnal adult activity and complete metamorphosis.
Acronicta falcula
corylus dagger moth, Hazel Dagger
Acronicta falcula is a North American noctuid moth commonly known as the corylus dagger moth or Hazel Dagger. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1877 and occurs primarily in the northeastern and north-central United States and adjacent Canada. It is associated with Corylus (hazel) species, on which its larvae feed. The species is considered rare in some parts of its range and is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut.
Acronicta fallax
Green Marvel, Green Marvel Moth
Acronicta fallax, commonly known as the green marvel moth, is a noctuid moth found across most of North America. First described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1854, this species has a wingspan of approximately 34 mm. Adults are active year-round in warmer regions, with particularly extended flight periods in Florida from February through November. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive caterpillars often bearing prominent defensive setae.
Acronicta fragilis
Fragile Dagger, fragile dagger moth
Acronicta fragilis, commonly known as the fragile dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to North America. First described by Guenée in 1852, it ranges from Newfoundland south to Florida and west across Canada. The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut. Adults are active in early summer, with larvae feeding on several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta hasta
forked dagger moth, speared dagger moth, cherry dagger moth, dart dagger moth
Acronicta hasta is a noctuid moth native to eastern North American deciduous woodlands. Adults have a wingspan of 35–45 mm and are active from April to September, with multiple generations in southern portions of the range. The species was first described by Achille Guenée in 1852; Acronicta furcifera was synonymized with it in 1998. Three subspecies are recognized: A. h. hasta, A. h. telum, and A. h. manitoba.
Acronicta hastulifera
Frosted Dagger Moth
Acronicta hastulifera, commonly known as the frosted dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. First described by James Edward Smith in 1797, it is native 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 larvae feed on various hardwood trees.
Acronicta heitzmani
Heitzman's Dagger, Heitzman's dagger moth
Acronicta heitzmani is a species of dagger moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Charles V. Covell and Eric H. Metzler in 1992. The species is endemic to the central United States, with documented occurrence in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Ohio. It is a relatively small noctuid moth with forewing lengths of 12–14.5 mm in males and 12.5–15 mm in females. Like other members of the genus Acronicta, it is a nocturnal species attracted to artificial light sources.
Acronicta immodica
Medium Dagger, Medium Oak Dagger
Acronicta immodica is an owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the medium dagger or medium oak dagger. The species occurs in eastern North America. It was renamed from Acronicta modica in a recent taxonomic revision when the type specimen of A. modica was determined to actually represent Acronicta haesitata, necessitating the new name A. immodica for this species.
Acronicta impleta
yellow-haired dagger moth, powdered dagger
Acronicta impleta, commonly known as the yellow-haired dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species native to most of North America. Adults are active from April to July, with timing varying by location. The species is recognized by its moderate wingspan of approximately 42 mm. Larvae feed on the foliage of several deciduous tree genera including elm, maple, birch, willow, and oak. Two subspecies are recognized: A. i. impleta and A. i. illita.
Acronicta impressa
Impressive Dagger, Impressive Dagger Moth, Willow Dagger Moth
Acronicta impressa is a noctuid moth commonly known as the impressive dagger moth or willow dagger moth. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. It ranges across western North America from Canada to northwestern Mexico. Adults are active in early to midsummer and are attracted to light. The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants including willow, poplar, and rose.
Acronicta inclara
unclear dagger moth
Acronicta inclara, known as the unclear dagger moth, is a noctuid moth described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1900. It occurs in north-eastern North America. Two subspecies are recognized: A. i. inclara and A. i. inconstans. As a member of the dagger moth genus, it belongs to a group whose caterpillars often possess distinctive defensive setae.
Acronicta increta
raspberry bud dagger moth, raspberry bud moth, peach sword stripe night moth
Acronicta increta is a small noctuid moth with a wingspan of 28–36 mm, found throughout southern Canada and the United States. The species is taxonomically disputed, with some authors considering it a synonym of Acronicta inclara. Adults are active from May to September depending on location. Larval host associations remain uncertain, with probable feeding on Quercus species suggested but not confirmed.
Acronicta innotata
Unmarked Dagger, birch dagger, unmarked dagger moth
Acronicta innotata, commonly known as the unmarked dagger moth or birch dagger, is a noctuid moth species first described by Guenée in 1852. It is widely distributed across northern North America, from Newfoundland to British Columbia, with southern extensions along the eastern United States. The species is named for its relatively plain wing pattern compared to other dagger moths, and its larvae feed on the leaves of several deciduous tree species.
Acronicta insita
Large Gray Dagger, Fingered Dagger
Acronicta insita, commonly known as the Large Gray Dagger or Fingered Dagger, is a noctuid moth found across North America from Newfoundland to the Pacific coast. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1856. Formerly, Acronicta hesperida and Acronicta dactylina were treated as separate species but are now recognized as synonyms. Adults have a wingspan of 45–55 mm and fly from May to July.
Acronicta laetifica
Pleasant Dagger, Pleasant Dagger Moth
Acronicta laetifica, commonly known as the Pleasant Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. It is a member of the dagger moth genus Acronicta, characterized by distinctive forewing markings that include a dark dagger-shaped streak. The species occurs across eastern North America, with larvae that feed on various woody plants.
Acronicta lanceolaria
lanceolate dagger moth, pointed dagger
Acronicta lanceolaria is a noctuid moth native to North America, ranging from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1875. Adults fly in early June in a single generation. It is listed as a species of special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Acronicta lepusculina
Cottonwood Dagger Moth, Cottonwood Dagger
Acronicta lepusculina, commonly known as the cottonwood dagger moth, is a noctuid moth species first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. Adults have a wingspan of 40–50 mm and are active from May to July. The species is notable for its larval association with woody plants in the genera Salix, Populus, and Betula.
Acronicta lithospila
Streaked Dagger, streaked dagger moth
Acronicta lithospila is a noctuid moth commonly known as the streaked dagger moth. Described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874, this species occurs in eastern North America from Canada south to the United States. Adults fly during summer months, and larvae feed on hardwood trees including hickory, oak, and chestnut.
Acronicta liturata
Acronicta liturata is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, originally described by Smith in 1897. It is currently treated as a synonym of Acronicta brumosa in taxonomic databases. The species belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group known for caterpillars with distinctive tufts or 'daggers' of setae. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to have a life cycle involving herbivorous larval stages and nocturnal adult moths.
Acronicta lupini
lupine dagger, little bear
Acronicta lupini is a noctuid moth found in alpine habitats across western North America, from Canadian provinces and territories south to California. The species was described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 33 mm and are active from May through August. The common names "lupine dagger" and "little bear" refer to this species' appearance and possibly its association with lupine plants.
Acronicta mansueta
gentle dagger moth
Acronicta mansueta, commonly known as the gentle dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. 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.
Acronicta noctivaga
night-wandering dagger moth
Acronicta noctivaga is a small noctuid moth commonly known as the night-wandering dagger moth. It occurs in north-eastern North America with adults active during late spring through summer. The species has been recorded feeding on poplar as a larva. The common name references both its nocturnal activity and the dagger-like markings typical of the genus.
Acronicta nr-othello
A North American dagger moth currently recognized as a near-relative to Acronicta othello, awaiting formal taxonomic resolution. The 'nr' designation indicates this population or specimen cluster resembles A. othello but may represent an undescribed species or distinct geographic variant. Dagger moths in this genus are characterized by their stout bodies and typically exhibit bold wing patterns with distinctive dark markings.
Acronicta oblinita
Smeared Dagger, Smeared Dagger Moth, Arioch Dagger, Smartweed Caterpillar (larva)
Acronicta oblinita is a noctuid moth native to North America, commonly known as the smeared dagger moth. Adults display cryptic gray forewings with distinctive smeared dark wedge spots and white hindwings. The larva, called the smartweed caterpillar, bears urticating hairs and bright yellow caret-shaped markings. The species was first described by James Edward Smith in 1797.
Acronicta othello
Acronicta othello is a noctuid moth described by Smith in 1908. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a group characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble daggers or swords. The species occurs in western North America, with records from California and surrounding regions. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources.
Acronicta parallela
Parallel Dagger, parallel dagger moth
Acronicta parallela, commonly known as the parallel dagger moth, is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae. It was originally described by Grote in 1879 and was treated as a synonym of Acronicta falcula for many years before being reinstated as a valid species in 2011 based on morphological and genetic evidence. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Colorado and Oklahoma.
Acronicta perblanda
Acronicta perblanda is a noctuid moth species described by Ferguson in 1989. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, characterized by distinctive dark dagger-shaped markings on the forewings of many species. The species has a restricted distribution in the southeastern United States, documented from coastal North Carolina south to Florida and west to Missouri and Louisiana.
Acronicta retardata
retarded dagger moth, Maple Dagger
Acronicta retardata, commonly known as the retarded dagger moth or Maple Dagger, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 25–32 mm and are active from April to August depending on location. The species produces multiple generations annually. Larvae are specialized feeders on maple leaves, specifically red maple (Acer rubrum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum).
Acronicta rubricoma
Hackberry Dagger, ruddy dagger moth
Acronicta rubricoma, commonly known as the Hackberry Dagger or ruddy dagger moth, is a noctuid moth found in eastern and central North America. The species has a wingspan of 38–44 mm. Adults are active from April to October with two generations per year. The larvae feed on elm, hackberry, and sumac.
Acronicta sagittata
Acronicta sagittata is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, described by James Halliday McDunnough in 1940. It is known from North America and has been assigned MONA/Hodges number 9273. Like other members of the genus Acronicta, it belongs to the dagger moth group, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain poorly documented in available literature.
Acronicta sperata
Hopeful Dagger Moth, Hopeful Dagger
Acronicta sperata, commonly known as the Hopeful Dagger Moth, is a North American noctuid moth described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Adults have a wingspan of 30–35 mm and are active from May to June. The larvae feed on Populus (poplar) and Alnus (alder) species. Two subspecies are recognized: A. s. sperata and A. s. speratina.
Acronicta spinea
Acronicta spinea is a species of owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1876. It belongs to the genus Acronicta, commonly known as dagger moths, characterized by distinctive dark markings on the forewings that often resemble a dagger shape. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available literature.
Acronicta spinigera
Nondescript Dagger, nondescript dagger moth
Acronicta spinigera, commonly known as the nondescript dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active from spring through summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is characterized by its relatively plain, unmarked appearance compared to other dagger moths, hence its common name. It is one of approximately 150 species in the genus Acronicta, a diverse group of owlet moths whose caterpillars often bear distinctive tufts of setae or spines.
Acronicta strigulata
Strigulose Dagger
Acronicta strigulata is a moth in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as the Strigulose Dagger. It is a western North American species with a documented range from British Columbia southward to California. The species has a wingspan of approximately 35 mm. Limited published information exists regarding its biology and natural history.
Acronicta superans
Splendid Dagger, Splendid Dagger Moth
A medium-sized noctuid moth with a 40–45 mm wingspan. Adults are active from May to August across much of eastern and central North America. The species has shown recent westward range expansion into Alberta.
Acronicta tota
Acronicta tota is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, first described by Grote in 1879. It belongs to the dagger moth genus Acronicta, a diverse group of noctuid moths whose caterpillars often possess distinctive tufts or projections. The species is documented from Texas and has been recorded in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and attracted to light sources, though specific behavioral details remain poorly documented.
Acronicta tristis
Sad Dagger
Acronicta tristis, commonly known as the Sad Dagger, is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Acronictinae. It was described by Smith in 1911. The species occurs in eastern North America, with adults active during early summer. It is a relatively small noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 34 mm.
Acronicta tritona
Triton dagger moth
Acronicta tritona, commonly known as the Triton dagger moth, is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. The species was first described by Jacob Hübner in 1818. Adults have a wingspan of 35–40 mm. The larva feeds on specific host plants including Helonias bullata and various Vaccinium species.
Acronicta valliscola
Acronicta valliscola is a small noctuid moth described by André Blanchard in 1968. It is known exclusively from Big Bend National Park in western Texas, making it one of the most geographically restricted species in the genus. The species has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Very little is known about its biology or ecology due to its limited known distribution and few documented observations.
Acronicta vinnula
delightful dagger moth
Acronicta vinnula, commonly known as the delightful dagger moth, is a small noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults have a wingspan of 28–32 mm and are active from April through August, with at least two generations per year. The species is notable for its larvae feeding exclusively on elm leaves.
Acronicta vulpina
vulpina dagger moth, miller dagger moth
Acronicta vulpina is a noctuid moth found across northern and western North America. Adults fly from May to July with a wingspan of 40–47 mm. The larvae feed on several deciduous tree species including aspen, birch, balsam poplar, and willow. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of the European Acronicta leporina.