Noctuidae: Acronictinae

2284 (ABH73.038) Grey Dagger Acronicta psi, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR08777

ex. larva, Little Staughton
ex. larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
ex. larva, Little Staughton
ex. larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Little Staughton
ex. larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Needingworth, Huntingdonshire
Needingworth, Huntingdonshire
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Needingworth, Huntingdonshire
Needingworth, Huntingdonshire
 Photo © Ian Fisher
Hemingford Grey, 18th May 2013.(genitalia checked)
Hemingford Grey, 18th May 2013.(genitalia checked)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 14th Aug. 2022. Light trap. Male. (genitalia checked)
Hemingford Grey, 14th Aug. 2022. Light trap. Male. (genitalia checked)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 09-05-2022. Light trap. Male (genitalia checked).
Hemingford Grey, 09-05-2022. Light trap. Male (genitalia checked).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 09-05-2022. Light trap. Male (genitalia checked).
Hemingford Grey, 09-05-2022. Light trap. Male (genitalia checked).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, ex fem 12-08-2020 (light trap). Pic 18/9, final instar on sallow.
Hemingford Grey, ex fem 12-08-2020 (light trap). Pic 18/9, final instar on sallow.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, ex fem 12-08-2020, on sallow (pic 18/9).
Hemingford Grey, ex fem 12-08-2020, on sallow (pic 18/9).
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
on Whitebeam, Cambridge Botanical Gardens
on Whitebeam, Cambridge Botanical Gardens
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, ex female, 12-08-2020 (pic 21/9). Pre-pupa (white, not yellow stripe)
Hemingford Grey, ex female, 12-08-2020 (pic 21/9). Pre-pupa (white, not yellow stripe)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
on Whitebeam, Cambridge Botanical Gardens
on Whitebeam, Cambridge Botanical Gardens
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Second instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
Second instar, Freudenstadt, Germany, July 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pupa casing, ex. larva, Little Staughton
Pupa casing, ex. larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Pupa casing, ex. larva, Little Staughton
Pupa casing, ex. larva, Little Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell


General Information

This species cannot be readily distinguished as an adult from the Dark Dagger, A. tridens, except by examination of the genitalia. The larvae are, however, quite different.

 

Pupates in a crevice in tree bark.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.

Forewing length: 17-20mm.
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), Apple (Malus domestica), birches (Betula spp.), lime (Tilia spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), broadleaved trees, broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One/two generations, mid May-August and September-October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, fens and gardens.

Regional Information

Recorded in 100 (37%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 30 April to 25 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 30 June to 19 November

Similar Species
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Dark Dagger Acronicta tridens


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
yellow, black, red, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5