Witch Hazel Dagger
Common NameWitch Hazel Dagger
Scientific NameAcronicta hamamelis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantswitch hazel, birch, oak, elm, hickory, maple, willow, apple, cherry
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 and shrubs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often incorporating silk and chewed wood/bark.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey and black forewing pattern with distinct, dark-ringed orbicular and reniform spots. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark, and a faint 'dagger' mark may be present near the base of the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings patterned in mottled shades of grey, black, and white, featuring prominent dark-ringed orbicular and reniform spots.
