Photo © Mike Wall

Scarce Dagger

Acronicta auricoma

Checklist Number
73.043 [B&F: 2287]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Noctuidae
Subfamily:Acronictinae
Genus:Acronicta
Species:auricoma
Authority:([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

In the 19th Century this was reportedly a very uncommon resident in southern England, but by the 20th Century was extinct and known only as an occasional immigrant in southern England, including several in Kent and Sussex between 1950 and 1952. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a single specimen was at Luccombe Chine, Isle of Wight, in 1947; most recently, one was at Warsash in August 1996. Wingspan 37-40 mm. Larva feeds on Sessile Oak and Pedunculate Oak.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)

No Larval records to show.

VC10 Isle of Wight

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Luccombe (SZ57)01/08/1947-A E Gardner-

VC11 South Hampshire

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Chilling (SU50)07/08/1996onePeter M PottsAdult