Sycamore Moth vs Checkered Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sycamore Moth Checkered Beetle
Scientific Name Acronicta aceris Trichodes apiarius
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Cleridae
Size Wingspan 35-45mm 9-16 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Parasites
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, North Africa
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.

Checkered Beetle

A brightly colored red and blue beetle often found on flowers. Its larvae are parasites of solitary bee nests.

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Did You Know?

Females lay eggs near bee nests so larvae can invade and consume the bee brood.