IPMP3.0, Oregon State University, Copyright 2000

Loopers

Contents

Identification

Life Cycle

Management

Development Model

Fact Sheet (requires Acrobat Reader 3.x or above to read and print. Click below to download the free "Reader".)

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Registered Insecticides

References

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Link to large image (127K) of alfalfa looper larva Link to large (100K) image of cabbage looper larva
Alfalfa looper larva Cabbage looper larva
Link to large image (120K) of alfalfa looper adult Link to large image (150K) of cabbage looper adult
Alfalfa looper adult Cabbage looper adult
Link to large image (148K) of alfalfa looper pupa Larvae are about 25 mm long. Alfalfa loopers are larger than cabbage loopers and have a dark top stripe edged with white lines, cabbage loopers are uniformily pale green. Larvae have 3 pairs of legs on the torax and 3 pairs of prolegs on the abdomen. Adults of both species have silvery-gray forewings with an ivory-colored funnel- shaped mark with a wingspan of about 30 mm. Both species overwinter as pupae in trash near the base of host plants. Adults emerge in late April and May and lay eggs singly on undersides of leaves. Larvae feed for about two weeks and pupate in trash. Damage in mint is most evident late May and June.  There are 3 or 4 generations each year.

Alfalfa looper pupa

View the Fact Sheet for more information

This section contains information on the management of loopers in peppermint.  The Fact Sheet contains specific information on identifcation and biology of this pest (requires Acrobat Reader).  Select a category from the contents menu for additional information on sampling, development, and management of loopers.