- click for Adult Macro Verification Guidelines
- Generally Common / Widespread
- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required. Confusion Species: Dark Dagger (A. tridens)
ID pointers: Dark Dagger tends to have more shinier forewing, which in the male is often narrower, with a white hind-wing without dark veins or dusting. Male Dark Dagger tends to have a narrower thorax than Grey Dagger. Both the lightest and darkest individuals tend to be Grey Dagger. The black dagger like markings are said to resemble the Greek letter psi, this is how it got its scientific name. The hind wings are a dirty grey and generally not as white as Dark Dagger.
Distribution: A resident species that is widely distributed and generally fairly common. Accurate status is difficult due to close resemblances to Dark Dagger – Acronicta tridens. More commonly found in the lowland areas of the Trent valley. The only sure way of identification is by the differences in caterpillars. Grey Dagger caterpillar has a yellow dorsal stripe, whilst Dark Dagger caterpillar has a red dorsal stripe. If a Gen.Det is not possible, then record as Dark/Grey Dagger agg. However, of the two species, Grey Dagger is the most likely to be encountered in the county.
*** Last updated on 6 May 2025 by RP ***
Forewing: 17-20mm
Blue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time. IMAGES BELOW: Melbourne – Tony Davison © – Dark/Grey Dagger agg / Shirland – Grey Dagger caterpillar – Nikki Barrow © 02/09/2024
Grey-Dagger-Caterpillar-2nd September 2024 - Shirland - Nikki-Barrow©
Distribution Map for Acronicta psi
derbyshiremoths.org © makes no guarantee of accuracy of data used in these maps and charts – they are presented to you with best endeavours and the data behind them updated periodically as time permits. Historic records are being discovered all the time. These will be assessed, so once they are all verified, they will be incorporated onto the map and charts.
Found 244 records
↳ 0 from After 2025
↳ 26 from 2020 - 2024
↳ 218 from Before 2020
↳ 0 from After 2025
↳ 26 from 2020 - 2024
↳ 218 from Before 2020
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Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.
Monthly Records By Year: Acronicta psi
Monthly Counts By Year: Acronicta psi
Records Behind the Map and Charts - Acronicta psi – 244 records available
Listed by Year - descending
| Taxon | Site Name | Tetrad | Year | Date | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acronicta psi | Rushdale avenue, Sheffield, South Yorkshire | SK38M | 2024 | 17/09/2024 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Meersbrook, Sheffield S8, UK | SK38M | 2024 | 17/09/2024 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Garden, Walton | SK36U | 2024 | 18/07/2024 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Ilkeston | SK44Q | 2024 | 17/08/2024 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Derbyshire, UK | SK35D | 2024 | 21/09/2024 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Cote Heath Park, Buxton | SK07R | 2024 | 02/10/2024 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Derbyshire Wild Life Trust Long Clough | SK09G | 2023 | 20/07/2023 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Peak District National Park, Bakewell, England, GB | SK26J | 2023 | 19/07/2023 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Main Road, Matlock, England, GB | SK26R | 2023 | 25/08/2023 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Glossop, Derbyshire | SK09G | 2023 | 02/10/2023 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Bridge, Hope Valley S32 3XA, UK | SK27M | 2023 | 16/09/2023 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | The White Cottage, Brailsford, Ashbourne DE6 3GH, UK | SK24K | 2023 | 11/08/2023 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Belper Garden | SK34P | 2023 | 09/06/2023 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Shirland - Hallfieldgate Lane | SK35Z | 2022 | 22/09/2022 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Swarkestone | SK32U | 2022 | 16/08/2022 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Ambergate | SK35K | 2022 | 16/10/2022 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Sandiacre | SK43T | 2022 | 10/08/2022 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Beeley to Rowsley | SK26U | 2022 | 02/09/2022 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Yew Tree Farm | SK36H | 2021 | 18/07/2021 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston | SK44K | 2021 | 09/07/2021 | 6 |
| Acronicta psi | Hathersage, Derbyshire, UK | SK28F | 2021 | 19/06/2021 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston | SK44K | 2021 | 16/07/2021 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Hathersage | SK28F | 2020 | 26/06/2020 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston | SK44K | 2020 | 20/07/2020 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Allestree, Derby | SK33P | 2020 | 10/05/2020 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Great Britain, Glossop, England, GB | SK09B | 2020 | 30/08/2020 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Nottingham NG10 2FY, UK | SK43V | 2019 | 17/08/2019 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Great Britain, Glossop, England, GB | SK09I | 2019 | 25/08/2019 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Matlock (site not precise) | SK36A | 2018 | 01/06/2018 - 30/06/2018 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Repton (site not precise) | SK32B | 2018 | 06/06/2018 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Darley Dale (site not precise) | SK26R | 2018 | 01/07/2018 - 31/07/2018 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Oakwood Derby | SK33Z | 2017 | 24/08/2017 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Birch Vale | SK08I | 2017 | 29/07/2017 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Pleasley Pit CP, Pleasley | SK46X | 2017 | 15/06/2017 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Ramsley Moor and Reservoir | SK27X | 2017 | 07/08/2017 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Osmaston, Derby | SK33R | 2017 | 17/06/2017 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Ivy Leigh, Ticknall | SK32L | 2016 | 09/09/2016 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Ashbourne DE6, UK | SK14Y | 2016 | 07/08/2016 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Station Quarry, Chee Dale | SK17G | 2016 | 25/07/2016 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Swadlincote Woodlands | SK31E | 2016 | 11/10/2016 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Jim Mart Nature Reserve | SK36S | 2015 | 17/10/2015 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Millennium Meadow NR, Duffield | SK34L | 2014 | 26/09/2014 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Back Lane, Glapwell | SK46T | 2014 | 07/07/2014 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2014 | 28/06/2014 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Repton (site not precise) | SK32B | 2014 | 04/06/2014 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Buxton (Cote Heath Allotments - plot 29) | SK07R | 2013 | 18/09/2013 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Millennium Meadow NR, Duffield | SK34L | 2013 | 13/09/2013 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Millennium Meadow NR, Duffield | SK34L | 2013 | 14/09/2013 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Millennium Meadow NR, Duffield | SK34L | 2012 | 09/11/2012 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Milford, Duffield (site not precise) | SK34M | 2012 | 20/06/2012 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | 31, B6056 | SK47E | 2011 | 26/09/2011 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre | SK43S | 2011 | 11/10/2011 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | High Peak Trail, nr Brassington | SK25M | 2010 | 21/08/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, Bakewell | SK26D | 2010 | 04/09/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote | SK22V | 2010 | 11/09/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2010 | 11/09/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | High Peak District, England, UK | SK18H | 2010 | 15/08/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Derbyshire, UK | SK16Z | 2010 | 22/09/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Ashford in the Water | SK16Z | 2010 | 22/09/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, Bakewell | SK26D | 2010 | 03/08/2010 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Castleton | SK18L | 2009 | 10/09/2009 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | West Park Meadows (LNR),Spondon | SK33Y | 2009 | 10/07/2009 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt | SK27N | 2009 | 19/09/2009 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | The Mays,Malthouse Lane,Froggatt | SK27N | 2009 | 19/09/2009 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Norbury | SK14G | 2009 | 01/10/2009 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Beighton Marsh LNR | SK48H | 2008 | 16/09/2008 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Robin Wood (central area) | SK32M | 2008 | 04/08/2008 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote | SK22V | 2008 | 01/07/2008 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2008 | 01/07/2008 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Newboundmill Lane,Pleasley | SK56C | 2006 | 03/07/2006 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Starbuck Farm part of Beighton Marsh LNR | SK48H | 2006 | 11/07/2006 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Poolsbrook, Staveley (site not precise) | SK47G | 2006 | 10/06/2006 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Fairy Bank Rd,Hayfield | SK08I | 2006 | 03/09/2006 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 22/06/2005 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 09/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 09/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wilmot St,Long Eaton | SK43R | 2005 | 01/08/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 14/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wilmot St,Long Eaton | SK43R | 2005 | 09/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 22/06/2005 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 14/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 02/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Lancaster Ave,Sandiacre | SK43S | 2005 | 09/07/2005 | 8 |
| Acronicta psi | Wilmot St,Long Eaton | SK43R | 2005 | 03/08/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Briar Close,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2005 | 02/07/2005 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote | SK22V | 2004 | 13/09/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 2004 | 29/06/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2004 | 13/09/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Church St,Holloway,Matlock | SK35I | 2004 | 15/07/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 2004 | 01/08/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Spinney Hill,Melbourne | SK32X | 2004 | 15/07/2004 | 2 |
| Acronicta psi | Wilmot St,Long Eaton | SK43R | 2004 | 05/06/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wilmot St,Long Eaton | SK43R | 2004 | 07/07/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Pleasley Pit Tip (run offs) | SK46X | 2004 | 06/08/2004 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Mercaston Marsh Zone 4, Mercaston, Brailsford | SK24R | 2003 | 11/06/2003 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2003 | 06/07/2003 | 3 |
| Acronicta psi | Wilmot St,Long Eaton | SK43R | 2003 | 19/07/2003 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane,Newhall,Swadlincote | SK22V | 2003 | 31/05/2003 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote | SK22V | 2003 | 31/05/2003 | 1 |
| Acronicta psi | Mercaston Marsh Zone 4, Mercaston, Brailsford | SK24R | 2003 | 11/06/2003 | 1 |