Pleasant Dagger
Common NamePleasant Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta laetifica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, elm, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, often with tufts, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often incorporating bark or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black dagger markings on the forewings, especially the prominent one extending from the reniform spot towards the tornus, against a mottled grey and white background.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and white forewings, characterized by prominent black dagger-like markings, particularly a distinct black streak near the tornus.
