The caterpillars of the Clover Looper Moth make a small loop every time they crawl.
Clover Looper Moths are generally brown, but some have a gray undertone. Each forewing has a dark arc that may look like a 'C' from overhead, or even two bands of color. The tips of these arcs almost connect at the inside center of the wings. Two or three black marks sit near the bottom corner by each wing tip. Females are larger than males. Both are active all day and night.
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of clover and legumes like lupine. They also eat from other types of herbaceous plants and grasses. Three or more broods can be produced in one year. The tubular larva forms a loop with its body when it moves forward. It arches its back into the air while the head and rear form the bottom of the ring. Because clover is a main food source and it grows easily as weed, one can find Clover Looper Moths and caterpillars in yards, abandoned lots, open fields, and by the road.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Erebidae
Genus:Caenurgina
Species:crassiuscula
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Caenurgina crassiuscula
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 17mm to 22mm (0.66in to 0.86in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown, black, gray
