Unspotted Looper Moth
Common NameUnspotted Looper Moth
Scientific NamePlusia contexta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsbrown, golden, purple
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (southern Canada to southeastern US)
Host Plantsaster, goldenrod
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are semi-loopers, feeding on various herbaceous plants before pupating in a cocoon. Multiple broods occur annually.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the absence of prominent silver or metallic spots on the forewings, which are characteristic of many other looper moths. The overall mottled brown and golden coloration with a purplish sheen is key.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled forewings displaying shades of brown, golden-brown, and purplish-brown, often with a metallic sheen. The body is robust and hairy, typically yellowish-brown.
