Sycamore Moth vs Skipper Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sycamore Moth Skipper Butterfly
Scientific Name Acronicta aceris Epargyreus clarus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Noctuidae Hesperiidae
Size Wingspan 35-45mm 44-67 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Skipper Butterfly

A stout-bodied butterfly with hooked antennae, brown wings with golden spots on the forewing, and a distinctive silver patch on the hindwing underside. It has a rapid, darting flight.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar builds a silk-lined leaf shelter and can eject its droppings up to 150 centimeters away to avoid attracting parasitic wasps.