Lucerne looper
Common NameLucerne looper
Scientific NameThysanoplusia orichalcea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsgreenish-brown, metallic gold
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, open disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWidespread in Old World tropics and subtropics; introduced to other regions like Australia, New Zealand
Host Plantsalfalfa, clover, soybean, cabbage, potato
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple generations from spring to autumn in temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are green 'looper' caterpillars that feed on a wide range of plants, pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the large, shiny, golden-bronze diagonal patch on the forewing, which makes it easily identifiable among other Plusiinae.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its greenish-brown forewings, each bearing a prominent, oblique, and iridescent metallic golden patch.
