Greater Oak Dagger
Common NameGreater Oak Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta major
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow, elm
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, often with tufts of hair, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in a cocoon, often incorporating bark or wood fragments.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black dagger-like markings on the forewings, particularly the prominent basal dash and the 'dagger' shape near the reniform spot. The overall mottled grey and brown coloration is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring intricate black dagger-like markings and wavy lines, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The hindwings are paler, often a uniform light brownish-grey.
