Dark Dagger
Common NameDark Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta tridens
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, brown
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, hawthorn, sallow, birch, lime, elm
Flight PeriodMay to August (sometimes a second brood in September)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, often black with red spots and a white stripe along the side, feeding on various deciduous trees and shrubs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on bark or in the soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the very similar Grey Dagger (*Acronicta psi*) by a small, dark dagger mark near the tornus of the forewing and often a less prominent, more pointed basal dagger mark. The larvae are also distinctly different.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey forewings featuring prominent black dagger-like markings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
