Connected Dagger Moth
Acronicta connecta
OWLET MOTHS (Noctuidae)
The Connected Dagger Moth has a wingspan of 1.2.5 to 1.50 inches. The forewing is yellowish-gray with a broad black basal and anal dash that are blurred and loosely connected in the lower medan area. The hindwing is dirty white to light gray with dark veins. The caterpillar is blue-green to dark-green with yellow sub dorsal stripes. Dorsal hairs are black and long. The lateral hairs are white and thick. The head coloration is diagnostic. Each lobe has a red triangular mark that narrows down to the eyes. The larva grows to 1.50 inches.
The frequency of occurrence of the Connected Dagger is not known, but it is probably uncommon. It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest in mid-August, 2014. Their habitat is wetlands and edges of rivers. The adults are attracted to moth bait and only weakly attracted to lights.
The larvae eat the leaves of Willow. They pupate in pulpy wood.
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