Page 593 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Noctuidae
DISTRIBUTION Europe into central Asia, North Africa
HABITAT Woodlands, gardens, and parks
HOST PLANTS Trees, such as Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Horse Chestnut
(Aesculus hippocastanum), lime (Tilia spp.), poplar (Populus spp.),
and oak (Quercus spp.)
NOTE Easily recognized caterpillar resembling a tuft from a
yellow carpet
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but regionally endangered

ADULT WINGSPAN

1⅜–1¾ in (35–45 mm)

CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1 ⁄ in (40 mm)
ACRONICTA ACERIS
SYCAMORE 591

LINNAEUS, 1758

Caterpillars of the Sycamore moth hatch from checkered,
black-and-white eggs. The young larvae are covered in long
hairs, which are initially ginger but become more yellow with
age. The dense tufts of hairs—a distinctive feature—can cause
mild irritation, deterring would-be predators. Although brightly
colored, the caterpillar is not poisonous. When disturbed, the
caterpillar curls into a distinctive U shape.

The pupae overwinter under bark, especially the bark of old
poplar trees. There is a single generation each year, with the
adult moths on the wing from late spring to midsummer. The
Sycamore is under threat from the loss of its woodland habitat.
In particular, the felling of old hybrid poplar trees that were once
common along roads and on farmland has a ected numbers.

The genus Acronicta contains around 150 species, most of which
have conspicuous, brightly colored, hairy caterpillars.

The Sycamore caterpillar is covered in dense
tufts of long, yellow hairs with four pairs of
red-orange tufts. There is a distinctive dorsal
line of white spots encircled in black.
Actual size