Marbled Oak Dagger
Common NameMarbled Oak Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta maurensis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, pupating in a cocoon, often overwintering as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate, marbled grey and white forewing pattern with distinct orbicular and reniform spots, and often a faint dagger-like mark near the base.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly cryptic forewings, mottled in shades of grey, white, and black, featuring prominent circular spots and wavy transverse lines.
