afflicted dagger moth

not listed

NNR - Unranked

not listed

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 19 ⁄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.

Total length: ¾″ (20 mm)

Wingspan: 1½″ to 1¾″ (39 to 45 mm)

Woodlands and forests

Two generations per year: May to September

Adults are active at night. They are attracted to lights.

Leaves of oak trees

Sources

21, 24, 29, 30, 75.

Rare in Minnesota

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota