afflicted dagger moth
(Acronicta afflicta)
Conservation • Description • Habitat • Biology • Distribution • Taxonomy
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Description |
Afflicted dagger moth is an uncommon, large dagger moth. Adults are ¾″ in length and have a wingspan of 1½″ to 1¾″ (39 to 45 mm). It occurs in the United States east of the Great Plains and in Ontario and Quebec. It is uncommon throughout its range, rare in Minnesota. The forewings are sooty gray with obscure, darker gray lines and dashes. The circular spot in the upper median area (orbicular spot), an important identifying feature in dagger moths, is conspicuous. It is white with a dark center and a dark outline. The antennae are slender and thread-like on both sexes. The last stage (instar) caterpillar is beige to salmon-colored and up to 1 9 ⁄16″ (4 cm) long. A thin black line on the upper side (middorsal) extends from the thorax to the tip of the abdomen. Each abdominal segment has a pair of long, black hairs (setae) in the subdorsal area. The setae are erect, expanded at the tip (clubbed), and about as long as the abdominal segment from which they rise. The breathing pores (spiracles) are pale and are ringed with a thin black line. Mature caterpillars are present from June to November. |
Size |
Total length: ¾″ (20 mm) Wingspan: 1½″ to 1¾″ (39 to 45 mm) |
Similar Species |
Habitat |
Woodlands and forests |
Biology |
Season |
Two generations per year: May to September |
Behavior |
Adults are active at night. They are attracted to lights. |
Life Cycle |
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Larva Hosts |
Leaves of oak trees |
Adult Food |
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Distribution |
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Sources Biodiversity occurrence data published by: Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas (accessed through the Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas Portal, bellatlas.umn.edu, 6/14/2025). |
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| 6/14/2025 | ||
Occurrence |
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Taxonomy |
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Order |
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Superfamily |
Noctuoidea (owlet moths and allies) |
Family |
Noctuidae (cutworm moths and allies) |
Subfamily |
Acronictinae |
Genus |
Acronicta (dagger moths) |
Subgenus |
Lepitoreuma |
Section |
Acronicta afflicta (allficted and marbled oak daggers and allies) |
Subordinate Taxa |
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Synonyms |
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Acronicta dolens Acronicta schmalzriedi |
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Common Names |
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afflicted dagger moth |
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Glossary
Instar
The developmental stage of arthropods between each molt; in insects, the developmental stage of the larvae or nymph.
Orbicular spot
A circular spot or outline in the upper median area near the antemedial line on the forewing of many moths.
Seta
A stiff, hair-like process on the outer surface of an organism. In Lepidoptera: A usually rigid bristle- or hair-like outgrowth used to sense touch. In mosses: The stalk supporting a spore-bearing capsule and supplying it with nutrients. Plural: setae. Adjective: setose.
Spiracle
A small opening on the surface of an insect or arachnid through which it breathes.
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Alfredo Colon |
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Other Videos |
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Acronicta afflicta - poop removal |
About
Jun 15, 2011 When you're a caterpillar, you need to keep your living space tidy. So if you're feeling lazy, you need to get creative. |
Acronicta afflicta 1st instar - first meal |
About
May 27, 2011 Little Acronicta afflicta caterpillar, freshly hatched, starting its first meal of an oak leaf. It's so tiny that it will only be able to chew through one layer of the leaf. |
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| Alfredo Colon 8/31/2019 |
Location: Woodbury, Minnesota |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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Created: 9/30/2019 Last Updated: © MinnesotaSeasons.com. All rights reserved. |