Common NameLong-winged Dagger MothSeasonalityThe only Alberta record is for an adult collected May 19, 2000.IdentificationA medium size (3.2 - 4.4 cm wingspan) narrow-winged mottled grey moth with poorly defined markings. There are dark grey or dull black markings in the anal angle, at the reniform and along the costa. There may also be a thin, indistinct black basal streak. The area between the reniform and orbicular spots is lighter than the rest of the wing, as is the very jagged, doubled poorly defined postmedian line. The terminal line is a series or dark dots between the veins; the fringe is checkered grey and white. The hingwing in males is shining white, with a series of dark dots marking the terminal line. The Long-winged Dagger Moth is very similar to the Smeared Dagger Moth, but is slightly darker grey and blotchier in pattern, and has thin black streaks on the wing base and in the anal angle. The antennae are simple. The sexes are similar, but females have darker hindwings.
Scientific NameAcronicta longaCommon Name
Long-winged Dagger Moth
Habitat
Deciduous woodland and shrub.
Seasonality
The only Alberta record is for an adult collected May 19, 2000.
Identification
A medium size (3.2 - 4.4 cm wingspan) narrow-winged mottled grey moth with poorly defined markings. There are dark grey or dull black markings in the anal angle, at the reniform and along the costa. There may also be…
A medium size (3.2 - 4.4 cm wingspan) narrow-winged mottled grey moth with poorly defined markings. There are dark grey or dull black markings in the anal angle, at the reniform and along the costa. There may also be a thin, indistinct black basal streak. The area between the reniform and orbicular spots is lighter than the rest of the wing, as is the very jagged, doubled poorly defined postmedian line. The terminal line is a series or dark dots between the veins; the fringe is checkered grey and white. The hingwing in males is shining white, with a series of dark dots marking the terminal line. The Long-winged Dagger Moth is very similar to the Smeared Dagger Moth, but is slightly darker grey and blotchier in pattern, and has thin black streaks on the wing base and in the anal angle. The antennae are simple. The sexes are similar, but females have darker hindwings.
Life History
The larvae are solitary defoliators of deciduous trees and shrubs (Prentice 1962). There is probably a single annual brood in Alberta. The larvae are illustrated in color in Wagner et al (1997). The cocoons are formed…
The larvae are solitary defoliators of deciduous trees and shrubs (Prentice 1962). There is probably a single annual brood in Alberta. The larvae are illustrated in color in Wagner et al (1997). The cocoons are formed between leaves drawn together with silk, and they overwinter as pupae. The adults come to light.
Conservation
Rare in Alberta (one record as of 2002), at the extreme northwestern limit of it's range.
Diet Info
No Alberta data; elsewhere reported larval hosts include a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, including birch (Betula), willow (Salix), cherry (Prunus), oak (Quercus), rose (Rosa), alder (Alnus), and others. (Rings…
No Alberta data; elsewhere reported larval hosts include a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, including birch (Betula), willow (Salix), cherry (Prunus), oak (Quercus), rose (Rosa), alder (Alnus), and others. (Rings et al. 1992).
Range
Across southern Canada, from Nova Scotia west to eastern Alberta, south to Florida and Texas and in the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta known only from wooded riparian habitat along the arid lower South Saskatchewan River…
Across southern Canada, from Nova Scotia west to eastern Alberta, south to Florida and Texas and in the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta known only from wooded riparian habitat along the arid lower South Saskatchewan River valley, near the Saskatchewan border.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Acronicta longa
Page Citation
"Species Details - Acronicta longa, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2818. Accessed 09 Mar. 2025.
References
AuthorCovell, C. V., Jr.
TitleA field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date1984
Pages496
AuthorWagner, David L.; Giles, Valerie; Reardon, Richard C. and Michael L. McManus
TitleCaterpillars of eastern forests.
Publication Date1997
Pages113
AuthorPrentice, R. M.
TitleForest Lepidoptera of Canada. (1962)
Publication Date1962
Volume2
Pages281
AuthorForbes, William T. M.
TitleLepidoptera of New York & neighbouring states : Part 3
Publication Date1954
Series TitleCornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. Memoir
Specimen Information
There is 1 specimen of this Species.
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1 result plotted on map in 1 marker. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.