Noctuidae: Acronictinae

2279 (ABH73.039) Sycamore Acronicta aceris, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR08778

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths


General Information

The ground colour of this species varies from pale grey to dark sooty-grey.

 

Pupates in a bark crevice or in moss or leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light.
Often found at rest during day

Forewing length: 18-22mm.
Foodplant(s): Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Field Maple (Acer campestre), maples (Acer spp.), Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), oaks (Quercus spp.), birches (Betula spp.), plums (Prunus spp.), Rosaceae (Rosaceae spp.), London Plane (Platanus x hispanica), laburnums (Laburnum spp.)
Flying: One generation, mid June-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Local

Habitat

Gardens, parks, woodland, scrub and heathland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 89 (33%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 08 May to 18 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 19 August to 08 October

Similar Species
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Poplar Grey Subacronicta megacephala (=Acronicta)

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Grey, yellow, red, orange, brown, black, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5