Grey Dagger

Acronicta psi

This record describes Acronicta psi (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

The grey background is well-marked by black lines, one of which is 'dagger' shaped. Grey and Dark Dagger can only be separated by genital determination. The caterpillars can however be told apart more easily. Adults of Grey and Dark Dagger can only be separated by genital determination though caterpillars can however be told apart more easily. If you are recording an adult you must provide an explanation of how it was identified, otherwise record it as Grey/Dark Dagger agg. Most habitats, particularly woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Both are on the wing from June to early August. Overwinters as a pupa in a silk cocoon under loose bark or in a crevice. Both species are widespread and quite common in Britain. 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

Most habitats, particularly woodland, hedgerows and gardens.

Seasonal Activity

Both are on the wing from June to early August.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Overwinters as a pupa in a silk cocoon under loose bark or in a crevice.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Both species are widespread and quite common in Britain. 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 psi. 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.

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