CABBAGE LOOPER MOTH
Trichoplusia ni
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Cabbage Looper Moth has a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches. The forewing is mottled light and dark brown with black scalloped lines. The stigma is a white u-shaped spot which usually does not touch a solid white outer spot. The mature caterpillar is about 1.5 inches long. It is green with 3 to 4 white to yellow dorsal stripes and many small white spots. The head is small and shiny green.
Occurrence
This moth is probably common in this area. It has been seen and photographed here in April and October. It is not known how far north this species survives year-round. Migrants restablish populations northward each spring.
Comments
Another common name for this species is Ni Moth. It is in the subfamily Plusiinae which is characterized by the absence of prolegs on segments A3 and A4. The larva eats a wide variety of plants including cabbage, mustards, asparagus and corn.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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