Smeared Dagger Moth
Common NameSmeared Dagger Moth
Scientific NameAcronicta oblinita
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatWetlands, marshes, swamps, wet meadows, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantssmartweed, cattail, buttonbush, willow, alder, blueberry
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, often black with yellow or orange stripes and tufts of hair, feeding openly on host plants. They pupate in a cocoon spun among leaf litter or in loose soil.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled grey-brown forewings with prominent, irregular white patches, especially the costal patch and wavy subterminal line. The hairy, often brightly colored larvae are also distinctive.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring distinctive irregular white patches, particularly a large one along the costa and a wavy subterminal line. The hindwings are uniformly dull grey.
