Sycamore Moth Caterpillar

Description:

The sycamore (Acronicta aceris) is a moth of the family Noctuidae. The extraordinary larva is very distinctive, thickly covered with very long yellow and orange hairs with white spots outlined in black along the back. It feeds on various maples and also on Common Horse-chestnut, Large-leaved Lime, Mulberry and Pedunculate Oak. The species overwinters as a pupa. Contrary to its bright colours, it is not poisonous, but may cause skin irritation if handled excessively.

Habitat:

It is distributed through most of Europe, from central England south to Morocco. To the east it is found from the Near East and Middle East to West Asia.