Alfalfa Looper Moth
Common NameAlfalfa Looper Moth
Scientific NameAutographa californica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)39
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, meadows, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and into Mexico
Host Plantsalfalfa, clover, beans, peas, lettuce, sugar beets, cotton, various other herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green 'looper' caterpillars that feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants, particularly legumes. They pupate in a silken cocoon, often on host plants or leaf litter. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings with a prominent, often wavy, white subterminal line. While not clearly visible in this dorsal view, many Plusiinae moths, including this species, often have a silvery 'gamma' or 'Y' mark on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, featuring darker markings, small pale spots, and a distinct, often wavy, white subterminal line.
