Loopers

Loopers are the caterpillar (larval) stage of night-flying moths in the family Noctuidae. The adult moth is generally mottled grey-brown with a wingspan of around 30-40mm, often with a small metallic gold or silver mark on the forewing. Moths are nocturnal, rest on foliage or in shelter during the day, and are rarely seen by growers, though they are attracted to lights at night.

The larvae are the damaging stage and are easily recognised. They are pale to mid-green (sometimes brownish), smooth-bodied caterpillars growing to around 30-40mm when fully grown, tapering slightly towards the head. Unlike most caterpillars, loopers lack the middle pairs of prolegs, so they move with a characteristic arching or 'looping' motion, drawing the rear of the body up to meet the front before extending forward again. They are typically found on the underside of leaves or nestled in new growth, and their green colour provides good camouflage against foliage.

Loopers are polyphagous pests found across a wide range of nursery, vegetable, ornamental and broadacre crops throughout Australia, including brassicas, legumes, cotton, tobacco and many ornamental species. Populations build over the warmer months, with activity generally highest from spring through to autumn in most regions, and can persist year-round in warmer parts of the country.

Management relies on regular crop monitoring, particularly checking leaf undersides and new growth for larvae and feeding damage. Natural enemies including parasitic wasps, predatory bugs and birds provide useful biological control, so management approaches that conserve these beneficials are valued in integrated pest management programs. Where chemical control is warranted, timing applications to target young larvae before significant defoliation occurs improves effectiveness.