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Species Details

Acronicta lanceolaria

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NamePointed Dagger SeasonalityAlberta specimens have been collected in early June. IdentificationA large pale grey moth without prominent markings. Forewings more pointed than in most noctuids, powdery pale grey with the orbicular and reniform spots and postmedian lines variably but faintly marked by white scales. Hindwings shining white. Similar to A. oblinita, but larger and with wings narrower, more pointed and without the darker markings. Also the row of dark terminal dots, which is prominent in oblinita, is obscure or lacking in lanceolaria. Antennae simple.
Scientific Name Acronicta lanceolaria Common Name Pointed Dagger Habitat Dry or sandy habitats with cherry and other shrubs. Seasonality Alberta specimens have been collected in early June. Identification
A large pale grey moth without prominent markings. Forewings more pointed than in most noctuids, powdery pale grey with the orbicular and reniform spots and postmedian lines variably but faintly marked by white…
A large pale grey moth without prominent markings. Forewings more pointed than in most noctuids, powdery pale grey with the orbicular and reniform spots and postmedian lines variably but faintly marked by white scales. Hindwings shining white. Similar to A. oblinita, but larger and with wings narrower, more pointed and without the darker markings. Also the row of dark terminal dots, which is prominent in oblinita, is obscure or lacking in lanceolaria. Antennae simple.
Life History Poorly known. There is a single annual brood and the adults are attracted to light. Conservation Local and rare in Alberta, but no obvious concerns. Diet Info
No Alberta data: elsewhere reported larval hosts include Large-tooth aspen (Populus grandidenata), willow (Salix) and cherry (Prunus) (Rockburne and Lafontaine 1996). Prentice lists single larval host records for four…
No Alberta data: elsewhere reported larval hosts include Large-tooth aspen (Populus grandidenata), willow (Salix) and cherry (Prunus) (Rockburne and Lafontaine 1996). Prentice lists single larval host records for four tree species; tamarack (Larix), Red pine (Pinus), poplar (Populus) and white birch (Betula papyrifera).
Range Nova Scotia to British Columbia, but apparently rare everywhere. In Alberta it has been collected in the dunes southeast Edgerton and in the Red Deer River valley north of Jenner.

Citation

Page Citation for Acronicta lanceolaria

Page Citation

"Acronicta lanceolaria, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5192. Accessed 20 Sep. 2021.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Noctuoidea Family Noctuidae Subfamily Acronictinae Genus Acronicta Species Acronicta lanceolaria
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum