Tomato Looper
Common NameTomato Looper
Scientific NameChrysodeixis chalcites
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, gold, white
HabitatGardens, greenhouses, agricultural fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWidespread in Palearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australasian regions; introduced to parts of the Americas
Host Plantstomato, potato, tobacco, cabbage, bean, various ornamentals
Flight PeriodYear-round in warm climates, multiple generations from spring to autumn in temperate zones
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green semi-loopers with pale stripes, feeding on foliage. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often on the underside of leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the metallic golden-bronze sheen on the forewings and the two prominent, often silvery-white, spots (one round, one hook-shaped) in the median area. Raised thoracic tufts are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings exhibiting a striking metallic golden-bronze and brown mottled pattern, prominently marked with two distinct silvery-white spots near the center.
