Funerary Dagger
Common NameFunerary Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta funeralis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Primary Colorsblack, white, grey
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Nova Scotia west to Manitoba, south to Florida and Texas)
Host Plantsmaple, birch, elm, oak, basswood, cherry, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August (two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctive, flattened 'paddle-caterpillars' with lateral tufts of hair, typically black with yellow markings. They pupate in a cocoon incorporating silk and chewed wood/bark.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent black 'dagger' or 'Y' mark near the base of the forewing, combined with the overall black and white cryptic pattern and the typical dagger moth shape.
Description
A medium-sized moth with striking black and white forewings, characterized by a prominent black dagger-like mark near the base and intricate black spotting and streaking on a pale gray or white ground color.
