Unmarked Dagger
Common NameUnmarked Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta innotata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, grey, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsbirch, alder, willow, poplar, maple, oak
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, often with tufts, and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in a cocoon, often incorporating silk and chewed wood or bark, and overwinter as pupae.
Identification TipsDistinguished from other dagger moths by its generally paler, less heavily marked appearance, especially the lack of prominent 'dagger' marks near the basal dash or orbicular spot, and the characteristic wavy subterminal line.
Description
A medium-sized, pale greyish-white moth with distinctive wavy black lines along the outer margins of the forewings and scattered black dashes on the discal area. The hindwings are typically plain white.
