GRANITE RIDGE NATURE INSTITUTE

Return to ABCSP moths

Return Home

Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica)             Adult and larva

The Alfalfa Looper was almost as common as the Painted Lady in March, 2005.  As we would walk through the desert, eight to twelve or more moths would fly out of almost every shrub.  This particular Alfalfa Looper, raised from the caterpillar shown below, pupated on 2 March and emerged on 14 March 2005.

Alfalfa Looper larva eating Desert Sunflower, Geraea canescens, Henderson Canyon Rd., ABDSP, 28 Feb 2005.  This caterpillar has many host plants.