Sycamore moth

The distinctive hairy yellow caterpillars of the Sycamore moth feed primarily on the leaves of sycamore and horse chestnut trees. They can often be found feeding in groups before they pupate.

While their dense yellow and white hairs make them look intimidating, they do not possess the stinging or poisonous properties of some other hairy moth caterpillars. They rely on their bright warning colors rather than venom for protection.

The species, formally named Acronicta aceris, was officially described by the Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It was cataloged in his foundational 10th edition of the Systema Naturae.

They are found throughout Europe and parts of the Middle East, frequently inhabiting parks, gardens, and woodlands. They thrive anywhere their host trees, particularly the sycamore, are abundant.