Tobacco Looper
Common NameTobacco Looper
Scientific NameChrysodeixis includens
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white, silver
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeNorth America, Central America, South America
Host Plantstobacco, soybean, cotton, peanut, cabbage, tomato, potato, bean, alfalfa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple generations from spring to fall in temperate regions (e.g., March to November in southern US)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are green 'loopers' with white stripes, known for their distinctive looping movement. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings with the distinctive silvery-white markings (often described as a 'gamma' or 'figure-8' shape, though it can be variable) and the somewhat raised tufts on the thorax.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, characterized by prominent, irregular silvery-white markings, often appearing as a broken figure-8 or two distinct spots.
