Species Acronicta connecta - Connected Dagger - Hodges#9219

9219

Acronicta connecta (Grote, 1873)

Acronicta rapidan (Dyar, 1912)

Phylogenetic sequence #931436

specific epithet and common name may refer to the forewing's basal and anal dashes which more-or-less connect in the lower median area

local and uncommon

wingspan 30-40 mm, based on several Internet photos

Adult: forewing yellowish-gray with broad blackish basal and anal dashes that are diffuse, blurred, and more-or-less connected in lower median area; dull orangish shading usually noticeable in upper median area (inside and distal to reniform spot); distal half of orbicular spot and basal half of reniform spot edged in black; hindwing variably dirty white to light gray with dark veins

Larva: body dark green with two thick yellow subdorsal stripes; each abdominal segment has four black dorsal dots arranged in distinctive pattern; head usually green with lobes reddened above, but may also be reddish-brown, gray, or black

Great Lakes region to central New England, south to Florida, west to Texas and Utah

wetlands and edges of streams and rivers

adults fly from May to August

mature larvae present from May onward

larvae feed on leaves of willow (Salix spp.)

two generations per year

Larva; pupa; adult

Todd, E.L., 1959. A note on Acronicta rapidan (Dyar) (Lepidoptera Noctuidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 61(6): 278.

Moth Photographers Group

iNaturalist

Mass Moths

Moths of North Carolina