The daggers get their English name from the black dagger-like marking found on their forewings.

The bright red and yellow larvae have a tall black hump on the back, close to the head and can be seen between July and October or November. They overwinter as pupae under loose bark, in a crevice or in rotten wood.

Size and Family

  • Family – Daggers (Noctuidae)
  • Medium Sized
  • Wingspan Range – 34-40mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Priority species (Research only)
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

A range of broadleaved trees and shrubs including Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorns, Apple (Malus domestica) birches, Sweet Chestnut (Castanae sativa), limes, elms and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia).

Habitat

Found in most habitats but particularly woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Also found in scrub areas of heathland, calcareous grassland and fens. 

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
  • Common and well distributed throughout England, Wales, the Isle of Man and Ireland as well as the Channel Islands. Widely distributed in the lowlands of mainland Scotland and in the Hebrides.
Grey Dagger - Iain Leach

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger - Koen Thonissen

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger - Stuart Read

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger - Lez Round

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger - Vlad Proklov

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger - Garry Barlow

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger - Ben Sale

Grey Dagger

Grey Dagger (caterpillar) - Ryszard Szczygieł

Grey Dagger (caterpillar)

Grey Dagger (caterpillar) - Ryszard Szczygieł

Grey Dagger (caterpillar)

Grey Dagger (caterpillar) - Ryszard Szczygieł

Grey Dagger (caterpillar)