Bean Looper
Common NameBean Looper
Scientific NameChrysodeixis includens
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America, Caribbean
Host Plantssoybean, bean, cotton, potato, tomato, tobacco, celery, lettuce, cabbage, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer climates; multiple generations from May to October in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as 'semi-loopers' or 'inchworms' due to their reduced number of prolegs, causing them to arch their bodies when moving. They feed on a wide variety of host plant leaves before pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the mottled brown and tan forewings, the prominent silvery Y- or V-shaped mark on each forewing, and the 'looper' crawling motion of its larval stage.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and tan forewings, characterized by a distinctive silvery Y- or V-shaped mark, and paler, often greyish-brown hindwings.
