Poplar Grey moth, Acronicta megacephala
The Poplar Grey moth, Acronicta megacephala, is distributed throughout much of the British Isles where there’s aspen, poplar and willow, the caterpillars foodplants.
The moth is nocturnal, flying mainly in a single generation between May to August.
The adult moth has a wingspan of about c 40mm and is attracted to light.
Many species of the Acronictinae sub family are referred to as Dagger Moths due to the black, dagger like streaks on the forewings of several species.
Other common Dagger species include Dark Dagger, Grey Dagger, The Sycamore, The Miller, Alder Moth and The Knot Grass.
Recommended Moth and caterpillar reference books
Poplar Grey caterpillar
Poplar Grey caterpillars grow up to 35mm in length and may vary from shades of grey to yellowy brown.
The white dorsal patch on the 10th segment is a useful identification feature.
The caterpillars feed on the leaves of poplar, aspen and willow
By late September most caterpillars have pupated beneath the bark of trees to overwinter.