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
"Species Details - 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 01 Jun. 2023.
References
Author
Prentice, R. M.
Title
Forest Lepidoptera of Canada. (1962)
Volume
2
Pages
281
Author
Rockbourne, E.W. and J.D. Lafontaine
Title
The cutworm moths of Ontario and Quebec
Specimen Information
There are 3 specimens of this Species.
UASM58042 - Acronicta lanceolaria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Red Deer River
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.; Schmidt, B. C.
Date Collected2004-06-04
UASM58043 - Acronicta lanceolaria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edgerton
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.; Schmidt, B. C.
Date Collected2004-06-01
UASM57361 - Acronicta lanceolaria
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Oldman River
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2005-05-18