Noctuidae : Acronictinae
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Photo © Neil Sherman,  Male, claspers checked confirming record. Purdis Farm, Ipswich. June 2020.

Immature stages

Similar Suffolk Species
Grey Dagger
Acronicta psi
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Dark Dagger
Acronicta tridens

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) 2283 / 73.037

Morley's Final Catalogue: Acronicta Tridens et A. Psi. The former, which was bred at Falkenham in May 1900 (Mly), is usually considered the rarer: but its British distribution centres here, so in Suffolk they appear equally frequent and widespread from Ipswich to Gorleston and Bury: no Breck records.

Recent Suffolk Status: Scarce. Probably under recorded due to identification difficulties.

Life history: Single-brooded. Very occasional later records. The highly distinctive larvae found fairly regularly in the county in the early autumn on various trees.

Identification: Identical in appearance to Grey dagger. Can only be separated by gen det which is fairly easy on the males and can be done with care on living moths with practice. Dark dagger has 3 protruding teeth on the structure at the base of the clasper whilst Grey dagger only has 2.

Habitat: Woodland, scrub, gardens, hedgerows.

Verification Grade Comment: Only gen det and larval records accepted. If no gen det record as aggregate only please

Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required

Recorded in 30 (52%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1900.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats

< Alder Moth | Grey Dagger >

Determination
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
19/07/2024126TL78 - Brandon/Lakenheath
29/06/2024125TM24 - Woodbridge/Martlesham
11/08/2023126TM04 - Hadleigh
18/07/2023125TM59 - Lowestoft
16/06/2023125TM46 - Minsmere/Leiston
Show Details | 1990 to 2023 | 2000 to 2023 | Graph Key
Express Record Dark Dagger
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Copyright © Lepidoptera UK 2024
   
Click Map for Details

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Forewing: 17-20mm.
Flight: One generation May-July. (Sept-Oct)
Foodplant:   Broadleaved trees and shrubs
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 4
 Immature Adult   [Show Flight Times]
     
Underlying maps using Digital Map Data © Norfolk Online Lepidoptera Archive - NOLA™ - Suffolk 2024. © James Wheeler - Norfolk Moths 2007 - 2024. Data © NOLA™ - Suffolk 2024
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