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
Iain Leach

Grey Dagger - Koen Thonissen
Grey Dagger
Koen Thonissen

Grey Dagger - Stuart Read
Grey Dagger
Stuart Read

Grey Dagger - Lez Round
Grey Dagger
Lez Round

Grey Dagger - Vlad Proklov
Grey Dagger
Vlad Proklov

Grey Dagger - Garry Barlow
Grey Dagger
Garry Barlow

Grey Dagger - Ben Sale
Grey Dagger
Ben Sale

Grey Dagger (caterpillar) - Ryszard Szczygieł
Grey Dagger (caterpillar)
Ryszard Szczygieł

Grey Dagger (caterpillar) - Ryszard Szczygieł
Grey Dagger (caterpillar)
Ryszard Szczygieł

Grey Dagger (caterpillar) - Ryszard Szczygieł
Grey Dagger (caterpillar)
Ryszard Szczygieł