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Common Looper Moth

Autographa precationis

The Common Looper Moth (Autographa precationis) is a medium-sized moth found throughout North America. It has a wingspan of 1-2 inches and its wings are typically gray or brown, with a darker band along the outer edge. One identifying characteristic is the silver or white mark shaped like a question mark or comma in the center of each forewing.

As a member of the Noctuidae family, the Common Looper Moth gets its name from the way its caterpillar moves in a looping or “inchworm” motion. The caterpillars are typically green with white stripes and have three pairs of prolegs.

A fun fact about the Common Looper Moth is that it is a migratory species, with populations moving north in the spring and south in the fall. Additionally, the moth’s wings can be mistaken for a dead leaf, helping it blend in with its surroundings and avoid predators.

Despite its name, the Common Looper Moth can be difficult to distinguish from other species of loopers, such as the Mottled Engrailed Moth and the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth. Close observation of the wing patterns and markings is needed for accurate identification.

Habitat
Forests, fields, gardens, and parks
Scientific Name
Autographa precationis
Wing Span
18mm to 22mm
General Size
Small
Wing Color
brown
brown
Marking's Color
red
red
white
white
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Two white spots on forewing, both surrounded by a white line. Spots may bleed together to create a capital ‘B’ shape.

  2. Wings have patches of orange/red coloration. The wings also appear to have a metallic sheen.

  3. Furry and slightly elevated thorax

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.