Noctuidae

73.041 Marsh Dagger Acronicta strigosa ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Extinct / Immigrant

Similar species: The three dark bars in the trailing edge of the wing and small size compared with other daggers distinguish this moth from other British and Irish species.

Forewing: 13 to 15mm

Habitats: Mature and overgrown hedgerows in marshes, fens and on rough ground and arable land.

Habits: The moth was formerly resident locally across southern England, but was last recorded in 1933. It is now occasionally recorded as an immigrant. It can sometimes be found during the day on tree trunks and it comes to light and sugar. It pupates burrowed into rotten wood.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Hawthorn and occasionally Blackthorn.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on birches, Purging Buckthorn, Rowan, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry or occasionally apple, pear and Alder Buckthorn.