Grey Dagger

Description:

This species has grey forewings with bold black dagger-shaped markings. (The Latin specific name also refers to these markings, as resembling the Greek letter psi ψ.) The hindwings are dirty grey, generally paler in the male. The wingspan is 34-45 mm. This moth is very similar to the Dark Dagger (Acronicta tridens) and identification is generally only possible by minute examination of the genitalia. However, in general this moth is generally darker in colour than the Dark Dagger and always lacks the white hindwings often present in the male of that species.

Notes:

The camouflage of this month is so perfect that I almost sat on it. Don't think that this is a good example of how good camouflage works to stay alive.