blackberry looper

not listed

NNR - Unranked

not listed

Blackberry looper is a small, widespread, and very common emerald moth. It occurs in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, in adjacent Canadian provinces, and in Mexico. It is very common in Minnesota. It is found in woodlands, fields, and other open areas. There are two generations each year. Adults fly from May to September and mature caterpillars are found from May through fall.

Adult blackberry looper moths have a wingspan of 9 ⁄16″ to ⅞″ (14 to 23 mm). There is a wide longitudinal stripe on the upper (dorsal) side of the thorax extending to the tip of the abdomen. The wings are relatively large and grayish-green with creamy white lines and with minute, creamy white speckling that gives them a grainy appearance. The forewing has wide antemedial (AM) and postmedial (PM) lines, a wide band on the leading (costal) margin, and sometimes a thin line on the outer margin (terminal line). The fringe is creamy white. The hindwing is similar but with only a PM line. As the adult ages the green fades and the wings become more cream colored. The antennae on the male are broadly feather-like with extensions along both sides of the shaft (bipectinate). On the female the antennae are thread-like.

The caterpillar is less than 1″ (2.5 cm) long. The body is pale green with minute whitish speckling. The head is brownish. There are pale, slender horns on the head and first thoracic segment that project forward. There is a pale longitudinal stripe in the middle (middorsal stripe) and on each side there is one thin pale stripe in the subdorsal area, one above the breathing pores (spiracles), one through the spiracles, and one below the spiracles. There is also a yellow band between each abdominal segment. Mature caterpillars are active from May to fall.

Wingspan: 9 ⁄16″ to ⅞″ (14 to 23 mm)

Woodlands, fields, and other open areas

Two generations per year: May to September

Adults are active both day and night. They sometimes come to lights but in small numbers.

Blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry fruits, and the flower petals of goldenrods and many other plants in the Aster (Asteraceae) family.

Sources

4, 21, 24, 27, 29, 30, 71, 75, 82.

Widespread and very common in Minnesota

Location: Albany, NY

Location: Woodbury, Minnesota