Noctuidae : Acronictinae
  Prev | Next  
Photo © David Hunt,  Harpenden, Hertfordshire (11/07/24) - Male Gen Det.

Immature stages

Similar Herts & Middlesex Species
Dark Dagger
Acronicta tridens
Upload a Photo
 
Grey Dagger
Acronicta psi

(Linnaeus, 1758) 2284 / 73.038

General comments:
Widespread and numerically common resident.

Adult Dark and Grey Daggers are identical in appearance, though the larvae are quite dissimilar. In both Herts and Middlesex, records of either species have consistently not been accepted by the County Moth Recorder unless they arose from either larval rearing or adult genitalia dissection. This draconian approach has allowed the true distribution of each species to be revealed. All specimens caught near expanses of Blackthorn are particularly worth a closer look as these might stand a higher chance of being "Darks".

Determination by Genitalia Examination Required

Recorded in 36 (88%) of 41 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1887.
Last Recorded in 2023.
Additional Stats

< Dark Dagger | Sycamore >

List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
03/10/2023120TL22 - Stevenage
06/09/2023120SP91 - Tring
05/09/2023120TL42 - Bishop's Stortford (N)
23/08/2023121TQ17 - Brentford / Hounslow / Richmond
18/08/2023120TQ09 - Watford / Rickmansworth
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
Express Record Grey Dagger
We need your records!
Do you have records of Grey Dagger?
Put your own dot on the map!

Copyright © Lepidoptera UK 2025
   

VC20 VC21 VC21 VC20
Click Map for Details
Forewing: 17-20mm.
Flight: One generation May-Aug.
Foodplant:   Broadleaved trees and shrubs
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 4
 Immature Adult   [Show Flight Weeks]
© hertsmiddxmoths.uk 2025 NOLA®; Database using MapMate® Digital Maps © Bartholomew 2010. Design © Jim Wheeler 2025
This site requires necessary cookies to function correctly. We'd also like to set Google analytics cookies that help us make improvements by measuring how you use the site. These will be set only if you accept all cookies. Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this will affect how the website functions. Cookies Policy