Loopers
Guides
Autographa v-alba
White Y Mark, White Y Mark Moth
Autographa v-alba is a North American noctuid moth first described by Rodrigues Ottolengui in 1902. It belongs to the subfamily Plusiinae, commonly known as loopers or semiloopers. The species is restricted to montane and foothill regions of western North America, with adults active in mid-summer. It is distinguished by a characteristic white Y-shaped mark on the forewing, referenced in both its scientific and common names.
Caenurgina
grass moths, loopers
Caenurgina is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, containing several species commonly known as grass moths or loopers. The genus includes widespread North American species such as the forage looper (C. erechtea), clover looper (C. crassiuscula), and cerulean looper moth (C. caerulea). These moths are associated with open habitats including lawns, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Caripeta
brown pine looper, grey spruce looper, northern pine looper
Caripeta is a genus of geometrid moths erected by Francis Walker in 1863. The genus includes approximately 13 described species, several of which are known as loopers due to their characteristic larval locomotion. Some species are economically significant forest pests, particularly those associated with coniferous trees.
Chlorochlamys
raspberry looper moth
Chlorochlamys is a genus of emerald moths in the family Geometridae, subfamily Geometrinae. The genus contains four described species distributed across eastern and central North America. The most commonly encountered species, Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria, is known as the raspberry looper and has been documented feeding on prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) and Eriogonum alatum.
Cyclophora
Mochas
A genus of moths in the family Geometridae, commonly known as mochas. Adults are small to medium-sized with relatively plain, brownish coloration. Caterpillars exhibit the reduced proleg count characteristic of geometrids, possessing only two or three pairs of prolegs rather than the typical five pairs found in most moth larvae. This morphological trait produces the characteristic looping gait that gives geometrid caterpillars their common name of inchworms or loopers.
Ennominae
geometer moths
Ennominae is the largest subfamily of Geometridae, containing approximately 9,700 described species in 1,100 genera. Adults range from small to moderately large, with wingspans typically between 15 and 50 mm. The subfamily has a global distribution and includes several economically significant defoliating pest species. Larvae are characterized by having only two pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, producing the distinctive looping locomotion that gives the family its common name of inchworms or loopers.
Geometridae
geometer moths, geometrid moths, inchworms, spanworms, loopers, cankerworms, measuring worms
Geometridae is one of the largest families of moths, with approximately 23,000 described species worldwide. The family name derives from Greek "geo" (earth) and "metron" (measure), referring to the distinctive looping locomotion of their larvae, commonly called inchworms or loopers. These caterpillars possess only two or three pairs of prolegs at the posterior end, compared to five or more pairs in most other Lepidoptera, forcing them to arch their bodies in a characteristic "measuring" gait. Adults are typically nocturnal with slender bodies and broad wings, often exhibiting cryptic coloration that provides camouflage against bark and vegetation.
Geometroidea
Geometrid and Swallowtail Moths
Geometroidea is a superfamily of moths within Lepidoptera containing more than 24,000 described species across five families: Geometridae (the largest), Uraniidae, Epicopeiidae, Sematuridae, and Pseudobistonidae. The superfamily is notable for its exceptional diversity in form and habitat, with members ranging from small, cryptically colored inchworms to large, iridescent swallowtail moths. The family Geometridae alone represents one of the most species-rich lepidopteran families, with larvae commonly known as inchworms or loopers due to their distinctive locomotion.
Plusia
Plusia is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, subfamily Plusiinae. Species in this genus are commonly known as loopers or plusias. The genus includes several agricultural pest species whose larvae feed on various crop plants. Adults are typically nocturnal and exhibit specific mating behaviors including female pheromone release and wing fanning. Some species display migratory flight behavior in young adults.
Scopula junctaria
Simple Wave
Scopula junctaria, commonly known as the simple wave, is a moth species in the family Geometridae. First described by Francis Walker in 1861, it is widely distributed across northern North America, occurring throughout Canada and extending southward into the northern United States. Adults are active from late May through August, with a single generation per year. The species is characterized by its relatively small size and distinctive wing pattern.
Syngrapha ignea
Mountain Beauty Moth, mountain beauty
Syngrapha ignea, commonly known as the mountain beauty moth, is a noctuid moth species described by Grote in 1863. It exhibits a notably broad geographic distribution spanning from northern Alaska to southern California and New Mexico, with an additional disjunct population in Labrador. The species occurs across boreal forest and subarctic habitats, suggesting adaptation to cooler montane and northern environments. It belongs to the subfamily Plusiinae, a group characterized by distinctive wing patterns and often diurnal or crepuscular activity.