Cottonwood Dagger
Common NameCottonwood Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta lepusculina
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)42
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas, urban parks
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across southern Canada and the United States)
Host PlantsPopulus, Salix
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae are distinctive, densely covered in long, pale yellow or white hairs, with black tufts on segments 2 and 3, and a black dorsal stripe. They pupate in a cocoon incorporating host plant material.
Identification TipsLook for the overall pale grey and white mottled appearance, the prominent black 'dagger' marks on the forewings, and the characteristic hairy caterpillar with black tufts. The specific dagger marks can help distinguish it from other *Acronicta* species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and white forewings, featuring distinct black 'dagger' markings near the base and along the costa, and a dark reniform spot. The hindwings are paler, often whitish.
