Grey Dagger - Acronicta psi

The grey background is well-marked by black lines, one of which is 'dagger' shaped.

Grey and Dark Dagger can only be separated by genital determination. The caterpillars can however be told apart more easily.

Adults of Grey and Dark Dagger can only be separated by genital determination though caterpillars can however be told apart more easily. If you are recording an adult you must provide an explanation of how it was identified, otherwise record it as Grey/Dark Dagger agg.

Most habitats, particularly woodland, hedgerows and gardens.

Both are on the wing from June to early August.

Overwinters as a pupa in a silk cocoon under loose bark or in a crevice.

Both species are widespread and quite common in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

There are not too many Leicestershire and Rutland records, probably due to the difficulty of precise identification of the adult moths. L&R Moth Group status based on these records = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant, but genitalia examination needed for secure identification).