Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242
Acronicta exilis
This record describes Acronicta exilis (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 (Acronicta exilis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, commonly known as owlet moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Acronictinae, superfamily Noctuoidea. This species belongs to the genus Acronicta (Dagger Moths). As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: Wingspan about 28 mm. Larva mature to 25 mm.. It is found in Oak woodlands.. Active during Most records of adults are from April to October..
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
Oak woodlands.
Geographic Range
Wisconsin to Maine and south to Florida and Texas. , , , Manitoba Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Seasonal Activity
Most records of adults are from April to October. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quercus alba L. (white oak). Other oaks are probably host.
Life History
Larva: First three instars feed and stay on the undersides of leaves. Later instars will seek shelter away from the foliage. Bark shelter for pupation. Wagner mentions two generations in New Jersey. Larva; larva; larva; adult; spent pupa
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acronicta exilis. 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 Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , marcie oconnor
Frequently Asked Questions About Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242
What is Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242?
Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 (Acronicta exilis) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242?
Wingspan about 28 mm. Larva mature to 25 mm.
Where is Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Oak woodlands. |
| Range | Wisconsin to Maine and south to Florida and Texas. , , , Manitoba Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data. |
What does Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 eat?
The diet of the Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 includes Quercus alba L. (white oak). Other oaks are probably host..
When is Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242 active?
Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242: seasonal activity - Most records of adults are from April to October. ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Exiled Dagger Moth - Hodges#9242?
Larva: First three instars feed and stay on the undersides of leaves. Later instars will seek shelter away from the foliage. Bark shelter for pupation. Wagner mentions two generations in New Jersey. Larva; larva; larva; adult; spent pupa