Triton Dagger
Common NameTriton Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta tritona
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 Plantsoak, birch, maple, elm
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larva is a hairy caterpillar, often grey or brownish with tufts of hair, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees. It pupates in a cocoon, often incorporating silk and chewed wood/bark.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive black dagger-like markings on the forewings, particularly the strong basal dash and the black-outlined reniform spot. The overall mottled grey and brown coloration provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings mottled in shades of grey and brown, featuring characteristic black 'dagger' markings, including a prominent basal dash and a black-outlined reniform spot.
