Dark Dagger
Acronicta tridens
This record describes Acronicta tridens (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35 to 45 mm. The adult moth cannot be readily distinguished from Grey Dagger except by examination of the genitalia, although in the caterpillar stage this is not a problem as the species look quite different. Various habitats, especially where the larval foodplants are present. The larvae feed in the autumn on a range of trees and shrubs such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn. It is widespread in England and Wales, though less common than Grey Dagger, although its true status is perhaps clouded by the identification issue. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Noctuidae
- Genus
- Acronicta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, especially where the larval foodplants are present.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in the autumn on a range of trees and shrubs such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread in England and Wales, though less common than Grey Dagger, although its true status is perhaps clouded by the identification issue. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acronicta tridens. 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 Dark Dagger (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Dagger
What is Dark Dagger?
Dark Dagger (Acronicta tridens) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Dark Dagger found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially where the larval foodplants are present.
When is Dark Dagger active?
Dark Dagger: seasonal activity - The moths fly in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Dark Dagger?
The larvae feed in the autumn on a range of trees and shrubs such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn.