Is this a Sycamore Moth Caterpillar? (1 Viewer)

[devon.birder]

I found this Caterpillar crawling up the outside wall of my house two days ago. After a Google Search I have provisionally identified it as a Sycamore Moth Caterpillar. However according to the information on the web site UK Moths http://www.ukmoths.force9.co.uk/ Sycamore Moths are normally found in the South East although there are scattered records from elsewhere.
This moth is said to feed on Horse Chestnut, Sycamore and Maple Trees and as there are none in my garden I am wondering whether my identification is correct bearing in mind that I live in mid Devon. Can anyone please confirm my identification. Roger

 

[Andrew]

Should be okay, I have caught a few Sycamore Moths in my garden and there are no Horse Chestnuts, Sycamores or Maples either.

 

[devon.birder]

Should be okay, I have caught a few Sycamore Moths in my garden and there are no Horse Chestnuts, Sycamores or Maples either.

Blimey that was quick Andrew. I must see what else I can find lurking in my garden. Roger

 

[Andrew]

Hi Roger,

Here's a Sycamore moth. I reckon they are pretty cool moths.

 

[devon.birder]

Hi Roger,

Here's a Sycamore moth. I reckon they are pretty cool moths.

Perhaps that was the one that flew the odd mile or so from your house to lay its eggs in my garden!!!. Roger

 

[harry eales]

I found this Caterpillar crawling up the outside wall of my house two days ago. After a Google Search I have provisionally identified it as a Sycamore Moth Caterpillar. However according to the information on the web site UK Moths http://www.ukmoths.force9.co.uk/ Sycamore Moths are normally found in the South East although there are scattered records from elsewhere.
This moth is said to feed on Horse Chestnut, Sycamore and Maple Trees and as there are none in my garden I am wondering whether my identification is correct bearing in mind that I live in mid Devon. Can anyone please confirm my identification. Roger

I agree with the ID but the foodplants named so far, are not all it is known to feed on, it can also be found on Oak, Rose, Birch, Plum, London Plane and Laburnum. It should also be considered that some larva wander some distance before finding a suitable pupation site.

I would think you would have one or more of the known foodplants within a short distance of where the larva was found. If not in your garden, then next door.

Harry

 

[devon.birder]

Thanks for that Harry. I have a mature oak tree on my Eastern boundary and which is very close to where I found the caterpillar. Roger

 

[Andrew S]

it can also be found on Oak, Rose, Birch, Plum, London Plane and Laburnum.

Ah - I've been wondering whether any moths lived on London Plane, and whether I would therefore have some advantage over all you rural types. But I've only had one Sycamore in SW London.

It is a little way to the nearest trees though...