Dogwood Borer vs Sycamore Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dogwood Borer Sycamore Moth
Scientific Name Synanthedon scitula Acronicta aceris
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Sesiidae Noctuidae
Size 18–23 mm wingspan Wingspan 35-45mm
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dogwood Borer

A clearwing moth whose larvae bore beneath the bark of dogwood, apple, and other trees. It is a significant pest of apple orchards on dwarfing rootstocks.

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Did You Know?

It preferentially attacks the swollen graft unions on dwarf apple trees, which can kill productive orchard trees.

Sycamore Moth

A plain grey moth whose caterpillar is spectacular with white tufts and bright orange and yellow hair patches.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar is one of the most colorful in Europe with dense white hairs and bright orange-yellow tufts.