About Acronicta psi (Linnaeus, 1758)
Acronicta psi (Linnaeus, 1758) has a wingspan ranging from 34–45 mm (1.3–1.8 in). This moth species has grey forewings marked with bold black dagger-shaped markings. The species’ Latin specific name refers to these markings, which resemble the Greek letter psi, ψ. The hindwings are dirty grey, and are generally paler in males. This moth is very similar in appearance to the dark dagger moth, Acronicta tridens, and reliable identification generally requires minute examination of the moths’ genitalia. For more details, see Townsend et al. In general, Acronicta psi is darker in colour than the dark dagger moth, and it always lacks the white hindwings that are often found in male dark dagger moths. Additionally, the larvae of the two species are very different from one another. The larva of Acronicta psi is quite hairy, greyish or brownish on the underside, and black on the upper side. It has red spots along its sides and a bold yellow stripe along its back. It also has a distinctive horn just behind the head, a feature that is absent from dark dagger moth larvae. This species can be found across a range extending from Europe and North Africa to northern Iran, central Asia, southern and central Siberia, and Mongolia. In the Levant, it occurs in Lebanon and Israel. These moths mainly inhabit deciduous forests, hedgerows, parks, and gardens, and can be found at elevations up to 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level. Recorded food plants include:
