Radcliffe's Dagger
Common NameRadcliffe's Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta radcliffei
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, elm, oak, hickory, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, often with tufts, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall grey-brown mottled appearance, the specific pattern of dark transverse lines, and the shape of the orbicular and reniform spots, which are often outlined in black.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring distinct dark transverse lines and prominent orbicular and reniform spots.
