Green Cloverworm Moth
Common NameGreen Cloverworm Moth
Scientific NameHypena scabra
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHypeninae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, olive-green
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, meadows, woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread across the United States and southern Canada)
Host Plantsclover, alfalfa, soybean, beans, peas, corn, cotton, tobacco
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple generations)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are green 'semi-loopers' that feed on a wide variety of leguminous plants. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often on the host plant or in leaf litter. This species has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent, upturned labial palps that form a 'snout'. The forewings have a cryptic pattern of browns, greys, and olive-greens, often with a dark dash or spot, and are held in a triangular shape at rest.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth characterized by its mottled brown, grey, and olive-green forewings, which provide excellent camouflage. It has distinctive, prominent upturned labial palps that give its head a 'snout-like' appearance.
