Acronicta albarufa

(Grote, 1874)
Barrens Dagger

Sort #: 2481 | P #: 931419.82 | MPG #: 9216
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Larval substrate: Quercus spp., esp. Quercus ilicifolia (Scrub Oak)
Phenology: Adult: 6/17 to 8/14 (7 records)

Comment: A specialist of pine barrens. Males can easily be distinguished from other members of the increta group by the white hindwings. It is a small species (average FWL male 15.7mm and female 16.7mm). Can often be recognized by the slate- or bluish-gray forewing, where the brown scales of the reniform stigma and the pale, round orbicular are conspicuous.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, rare
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: Threatened
First Year Reported: 1880
Last Year Reported: 2019

Distribution by County: Middlesex, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 81