Plantain Looper – Autographa percationis
Plantain Looper – Autographa percationis
Common Name: Plantain Looper
Latin Name: Autographa percationis
Appearance:
The Plantain Looper moth is a medium-sized insect with wings that are about 3 to 4 cm long. It has different patterns of colors, such as shades of brown, grey, and sometimes green. The hindwings are usually lighter in color than the forewings, which often have complex patterns like wavy lines and spots.
Host Plants:
The Plantain Looper larva eats many different kinds of plants, from bushes to foods that have been grown. Herbaceous plants, like plantains and other members of the Planttaginaceae family, are often used as hosts.
Territory:
The Plantain Looper lives all over North and Central America, from the southern part of Canada to the northern part of Mexico. This species moves around a lot, and where it lives can change with the seasons.
Damages caused by Plantain Looper:
Insects that attack host plants are called Plantain Loopers. Larvae eat leaves, making holes that aren’t all the same shape or stripping them down to their bare bones. Even though a single larva might not do much damage, a lot of them can cause the host plants to lose their leaves, which could make them weaker.
Life History and Habits:
- Egg Stage:The female moth deposits her eggs on the leaves of host plants. The eggs are usually light green in color and round in form.
- Larval Stage:When the larva hatches, it feeds on the vegetation. As it develops, it travels in a distinctive looping motion, giving origin to the popular name “Looper.” The hue of the larva can range from green to brown.
- Pupal Stage:When the larva reaches adulthood, it drops to the earth to pupate. The pupal stage occurs in the earth, where the insect metamorphoses.
- Adult Stage:After emerging from the pupa, the adult moth is ready to procreate. Adult moths are nocturnal and are drawn to lights at night.