Acronicta psi (Linnaeus, 1758) Species
Last modified: June 4, 2024, 4:17 p.m.
A fairly common species throughout Belgium.
Data Deficient due to a lack of sufficient data according to the IUCN Red List category for Flanders 2023.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Noctuidae > Subfamily: Acronictinae > Genus: Acronicta > Subgenus: Triaena > Species: Acronicta psi
- Vernacular names
- Psi-uil (NL), Grey Dagger (EN), Le Psi (FR), Pfeileule (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Sélys-Longchamps E. 1844. Énumération des insectes Lépidoptères de la Belgique. — Mémoires de la Société royale des Sciences de Liége 2: 1–35. On page 10 (as Acronycta psi L.). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 30–40 mm.
Adults of Acronicta cuspis, Acronicta tridens and Acronicta psi cannot be safely distinguished from each other, except by reference of the genitalia. Although larvae of these species are quite different and are easy to identify as species.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Caterpillar
Can be found from May till November.
Bionomics
The species hibernates as a pupa in a loose grey cocoon under loose bark, in a crevice, or in decayed wood.
The adults come to light and sugar.
Flight periods
The adults fly in two generations a year from mid-April to mid-September.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Prunus spinosa
- Host plant (genera):
- Crataegus, Malus, Betula, Tilia, Ulmus and Sorbus
- Substrates:
- Deciduous trees and Shrubs
The larva lives on a wide range of broadleaved trees and shrubs, including Prunus spinosa, Crataegus, Malus, Betula, Tilia, Ulmus, Sorbus, etc...
