About Acronicta hasta Guenée, 1852
Acronicta hasta, commonly known as the forked dagger moth, speared dagger moth, cherry dagger moth, or dart dagger moth, is a moth species in the Noctuidae family. Achille Guenée first described this species in 1852. This moth is found in North America, specifically in the region's eastern deciduous woodlands. Its range extends west across southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, into central southern British Columbia, and south to Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Kansas. Before 1998, Acronicta furcifera was recognized as a distinct separate species, but it is now considered a synonym of Acronicta hasta. The wingspan of Acronicta hasta ranges from 35 to 45 mm. Adult moths are active on wing from April to September, with the timing varying by location. Southern populations of the species have two or more generations per year, while northern populations have one or two generations per year. The larvae of this moth feed on cherry, oak, and plum plants.
