Dun-bar vs Sycamore Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dun-bar Sycamore Moth
Scientific Name Cosmia trapezina Acronicta aceris
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Noctuidae
Size 28-34 mm wingspan Wingspan 35-45mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dun-bar

A late summer noctuid moth whose caterpillars are partly predatory, eating other moth larvae sharing their tree. Variable brown coloration with a distinctive pale bar.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars are cannibalistic and predatory, readily consuming other moth larvae they encounter on leaves.

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.