Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208
Acronicta betulae
This record describes Acronicta betulae (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: our only dagger moth with a pale tan forewing and a sharp right angle in lower part of postmedian line; much of forewing tinged with gray; hindwing tan Larva: Last instar smoky green-brown to rusty brown with long whitish hairs about sides of body. A1 and A8 but slightly enlarged. Dorsal setae from small blackened spots with 2-3 short, white setae and one, long, black seta issuing from each. Head mottled with orange to reddish patch over each lobe and abundant black snowflaking below red patch, mostly lighter brown and unmarked below. Integument with abundant black spinules (visible only with lens). Penultimate instar pale to bluegreen with slightly humped A1 and reddish middorsal stripe [description by David Wagner et al - see Internet References below] A detailed distribution map of River Birch ( Betula nigra ) in this PDF doc shows that it does not reach Canada; if River Birch is the only foodplant of Acronicta betulae , it would explain the absence of this species in Canada.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Acronictinae
- Genus
- Acronicta (Dagger Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
wetlands and edges of water courses containing foodplant (River Birch)
Geographic Range
New Hampshire to Florida, west to Texas, north to Wisconsin has not been recorded in Canada, according to this list based on CBIF data
Seasonal Activity
adults fly March-May and August-September (two broods) mature larvae from May onward
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of birch, particularly - and perhaps exclusively - River Birch ( Betula nigra ); see remarks in PDF doc by David Wagner et al
Life History
two generations per year Larva; larva; larva head; pre-pupal larva; adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: BETULAE: refers to the birch genus Betula , the larval hostplant
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acronicta betulae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208
What is Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208?
Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208 (Acronicta betulae) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208?
wingspan 35-40 mm larva length to 35 mm
How do you identify Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208?
Adult: our only dagger moth with a pale tan forewing and a sharp right angle in lower part of postmedian line; much of forewing tinged with gray; hindwing tan Larva: Last instar smoky green-brown to rusty brown with long whitish hairs about sides of body. A1 and A8 but slightly enlarged. Dorsal setae from small blackened spots with 2-3 short, white setae and one, long, black seta issuing from each. Head mottled with orange to reddish patch over each lobe and abundant black snowflaking below red patch, mostly lighter brown and unmarked below. Integument with abundant black spinules (visible only with lens). Penultimate instar pale to bluegreen with slightly humped A1 and reddish middorsal stripe [description by David Wagner et al - see Internet References below]
Where is Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | wetlands and edges of water courses containing foodplant (River Birch) |
| Range | New Hampshire to Florida, west to Texas, north to Wisconsin has not been recorded in Canada, according to this list based on CBIF data |
What does Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208 eat?
The diet of the Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208 includes larvae feed on leaves of birch, particularly - and perhaps exclusively - River Birch ( Betula nigra ); see remarks in PDF doc by David Wagner et al.
When is Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208 active?
Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208: seasonal activity - adults fly March-May and August-September (two broods) mature larvae from May onward.
What is the life cycle of a Birch Dagger Moth - Hodges#9208?
two generations per year Larva; larva; larva head; pre-pupal larva; adult