UKMoths Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
73.037 BF2283
Dark Dagger Acronicta tridens
([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Wingspan 35-45 mm.
This moth cannot be readily distinguished as an adult from Grey Dagger (Acronicta psi) except by examination of the genitalia, although in the caterpillar stage this is not a problem as the species are quite different.
It is widespread in England and Wales, though less common than Grey Dagger, although its true status is perhaps clouded by the identification issue.
The moths fly in June and July, and the larvae feed in the autumn on a range of trees and shrubs such as hawthorn (Crataegus) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).
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