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Digital Guide to Moth Identification

Noctuidae
931426 – 9205.1   Acronicta cyanescens (Hampson, 1909)
             Blue-gray Dagger

© Merrill A. Peterson
Larva and
Host Plants:
Host familiy: Rosaceae Rhamnaceae Salicaceae.  Host genera: Ceanothus Populus Salix.  Host extended: primary host plants in Rosaceae, Rhamnaceae & Salicaceae (Schmidt & Anweiler 2020); appears to be sp...  (Kimberley & Douglas 2025)
Similar Species:
  • Pinned specimens of related species. (Hint: select View by Region on the related species page.)
Synonymy:
  • cyanescens (Hampson, 1909) (Acronycta) - MONA 1983: [NEW]
  • amicora (Smith, 1911) (Acronycta)
  • metra (Smith, 1911) (Acronycta)
  • turpis (Smith, 1911) (Acronycta)
  • Taxonomic Notes: Acronicta cyanescens was a subspecies of 9205 - Acronicta lepusculina
    References (Caution: DNA barcoding at BOLD provides evidence of relatedness, not proof of identification; some BOLD specimens shown may not be sequenced.)
    • Barcode of Life (BOLD) - Caution: Identifications often erroneous; DNA barcode provides evidence of relatedness, not proof of identification; many specimens not sequenced.
    • Schmidt, B.C. & G.G. Anweiler, 2020. Noctuidae (Part) Pantheinae, Raphiinae, Balsinae, Acronictinae. The Moths of North America, Fascicle 25.4: 165; pl. A-11, figs. 1-6 (adult); pl. 21, fig. 2 (♂ gen.); pl. 38, fig. 7 (♀ gen.); pl. L-8, fig. 1 (larva) (order).
    • Shropshire, K.J. & D.W. Tallamy, 2025. Lepidoptera of North America, north of Mexico: an annotated list containing geographic ranges and host-plant records. ZooKeys, 1261: 101-113; Suppl. 1. (PDF or read online)
    • Species Page at BugGuide.Net
    • Species Page at E. H. Strickland Museum
    • Species Page at Pacific Northwest Moths
    • Species Page at iNaturalist
    Acronicta cyanescens
    © Charles D. Bird
    Acronicta cyanescens
    42mm – © Jim Vargo
    Acronicta cyanescens
    © Jeffrey C. Miller
    Acronicta cyanescens
    © John G. Franclemont CUIC LG


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