Status
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 Required | |
Recorded in 30 (52%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1900.
Last Recorded in 2023. |