- 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. 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.
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©
