Adult celery looper moths look like dead leaves. A closer look reveals subtly gorgeous, ornate patterns on the wings.
Donna Brunet
Celery Looper
Anagrapha falcifera
Family:
Noctuidae (owlet moths)
Description:
Adult celery loopers typically rest with wings folded rooflike over the back. The forewing is gray or tan, with a rectangular, darker brown patch bordered by a curved silvery white line that often ends in a small reddish spot.
Larvae are pale green “loopers,” which move inchworm-like by humping their backs. A white or pale line runs down each side; these contain a row of small white spiracles edged in black. There are sparse, minute hairs and tiny light markings on the rest of the body.
Similar species: There are many species of noctuid (owlet) moths in Missouri, many of them quite similar. Also, the name "looper" has little to do with how closely related moths are, since it only describes the caterpillars' method of "inchworm" walking. Geometrid moths, for example, are commonly called "loopers" because their larvae typically walk the same way.
Size:
Wingspan: 1¼–1½ inches.
Habitat and conservation:
Celery loopers fly in open areas and occur in grasslands, old fields, crop fields, gardens, roadsides, and more. They are attracted to lights at night.
Foods:
Larvae feed on a great variety of herbaceous plants, including several cultivated species — beet, blueberry, cabbage, carrot, corn, and lettuce, and yes, celery — as well as wild plants such as clovers, plantains, and viburnums. The adults drink nectar from a variety of flowers.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
Breeding resident.
Life cycle:
Adults fly from April into October and are active both night and day. This species overwinters in the pupal form and emerges in spring as an adult. There can be multiple broods.
Human connections:
There are many more moths than there are butterflies, and this is one of many noctuid, or owlet moths that look very similar. Some noctuids are serious crop and garden pests.
Ecosystem connections:
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation. The adults serve a role in pollination. All stages provide food for predators.
Similar Species
Noctuid Moths
More than 2,500 species in North America north of Mexico
Clover Looper
Caenurgina crassiuscula
Moths
More than 12,000 species in North America north of Mexico
Underwing Moths
Catocala spp., more than 100 species in North America north of Mexico
Prominent Moths
About 50 species recorded from Missouri
Tiger and Lichen Moths
Subfamily Arctiinae (formerly a family)
Giant Silkworm and Royal Moths
About 75 species in North America north of Mexico
Plume Moths
Nearly 150 species in North America north of Mexico
Painted Lichen Moth
Hypoprepia fucosa
Nessus Sphinx
Amphion floridensis
About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri
Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.