Unknown Acronicta sp - Acronicta

Moved

Moved from Triton Dagger Moth.

Not sure which one this is, but it's definitely not tritona. The wings are far too light, the orbicular spots are really distinct, the reniform spot is the wrong color, and the PM line isn't jagged enough at the point where the anal dash crosses it. My guess is that this is a slightly odd variation of grisea.

… Paul Dennehy, 6 February, 2014 - 11:54pm

Moved to Acronicta tritona

Moved from ID Request.

Tilla, actually, there is supposed to be a faint dart at the apex, though I've never seen one. The brownish crescent in the reniform and the shadowed PM at the anal dart are diagnostic. Judging from the light HW, I'd say this is a male.
Robert

… Robert Lord Zimlich, 24 October, 2013 - 9:58am

unknown Acronicta

Thanks very much Robert. This had been my first guess, but not being an expert everything is more or less a guess. So even diagonal moths are distracting? Sorry--will straighten in the future. Thanks again.

… mothlight, 24 October, 2013 - 10:14am

Not distracting ...

It's just easier, and quicker, to compare images oriented in the same direction

… Robert Lord Zimlich, 24 October, 2013 - 11:29am

Welcome to BugGuide

Welcome to BugGuide, Tilla. For future reference, it's much easier to ID moths if cropped, with head facing up. Thank you
Robert

… Robert Lord Zimlich, 24 October, 2013 - 9:53am

Acronicta grisea - Gray dagger Moth

It looks like Acronicta grisea - the Gray dagger moth.

Nancy also from NS (not an expert)

… nancy dowd, 23 October, 2013 - 9:48am

Unknown Acronicta

Thank you very much, Nancy. A. grisea was one of my suspects--the apparent lack of a third strike line over near the apex seems to be a diagnostic feature. You are the first person in my area that I have met or e-met who is interested in moths. I would like to keep in touch somehow--don't quite know how to do it through Bugguide. Please try my FB page (devoted to a moth near-nightly), Tila Kellman.

… mothlight, 23 October, 2013 - 4:47pm