While visiting a nature center in Missouri, I noticed a few of these moths resting on the outside of the building. This species is attracted to light at night and often sticks around until the following morning.

This insect is small, with a wingspan ranging 1 to 1-1/2 inches and is mottled brown to black in color. It is robust in body shape. This moth’s forewings possess silvery white spots, which can be used to distinguish it from similar-looking moths.

Soybean Looper caterpillars form loops, or rings, with their bodies as they crawl across stems and branches. The wide rear end is brought up right behind the head, bending the body into a complete circle, just before the head stretches forward again. They feed voraciously on the leaves, stems, and even the pods of their food plants, which include soybeans, goldenrod, lettuce, sweet potato and peanut. Other host plants include cotton, tomato, and tobacco.

This insect’s main habitat is fields and cultivated land. Adults are avid pollinators, drawn to flowers by their vibrant colors and distinct shapes. While feasting on pollen, they inadvertently transfer it, aiding in the reproductive process of plants. Their interaction with flowers is crucial for the ecosystem, and Soybean Loopers (as well as other moths) serve as unsung heroes of plant pollination.

The Soybean Looper is known as “Falso Medidor” in north-eastern Mexico. It is found from southern Quebec and southern Ontario through the eastern and southern part of the United States to South America.

Third Eye Herp
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