Sycamore Moth
ExploreInsects
Sycamore Moth
Acronicta aceris
The Sycamore Moth is a fluffy, grayish-brown moth that loves to rest on tree trunks. Its caterpillars are bright green and can be found munching on sycamore leaves. They are fun to spot in nature!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Sycamore Moth has greyish-brown forewings streaked with black and a distinctive pale patch near its body. Its hindwings are plain white, and its body is covered in short grey fur. This coloration helps it blend with tree bark.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNoctuidaeGenusAcronicta
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Sycamore Moths have no mouthparts, so they cannot eat anything at all!
It's named for the sycamore tree, whose leaves its hungry caterpillars munch on.
Its caterpillar is shockingly bright yellow, covered in fluffy white and orange hairs!
The caterpillar's long, stiff hairs can cause skin irritation if touched!
Special abilities
Ability
Warning Appearance
Sycamore Moth caterpillars are brightly colored because of their startling yellow and orange hues, which warns predators they might be distasteful.
Ability
Disguise Master
Sycamore Moth adults have camouflaged wings that help them blend seamlessly with tree bark, making them hard for predators to spot.
Ability
Irritating Hairs
Sycamore Moth caterpillars have stiff, spiky hairs that can irritate a predator's skin, helping them defend against attacks.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-45 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Sycamore Moth larvae munch on tree leaves, but the adults don't eat anything at all!
Age differences: Larvae are herbivores, feeding on tree leaves. Adults do not feed during their short lifespan.
Primary Foods
- Sycamore leaves
- Horse Chestnut leaves
- Maple leaves
- Oak leaves
- Willow leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Sycamore Maple
Acer pseudoplatanus
Larvae depend on its leaves for food.
eats
London Plane Tree
Platanus acerifolia
Its caterpillars munch on these common tree leaves.
eats
English Oak
Quercus robur
Caterpillars also feed on oak tree leaves.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Young birds hunt and feed on its caterpillars.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch insects, as some might be delicate or have tiny hairs that can irritate skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sycamore Moth's wingspan?
35-45 mm
How big is Sycamore Moth?
15-20 mm
How long does Sycamore Moth live?
7-14 days
How fast can Sycamore Moth fly?
5-10 km/h
What does Sycamore Moth eat?
Sycamore Moth larvae munch on tree leaves, but the adults don't eat anything at all!
Where is Sycamore Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Sycamore Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Sycamore Moth have?
6
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