Integrated Pest Management Guide

ALFALFA LOOPER, Autographa californica Speyer

Pest status: The alfalfa looper has many host plants and larvae are often found on dry-pick farms.

Life cycle and feeding habits: This insect is primarily an alfalfa pest but can be found in garden crops, horticultural crops, ornamental trees and tree fruits. The damage is caused by the larvae, which move like spanworms by arching their backs. Alfalfa looper larvae have three pairs of front legs and three pairs of hind legs. Larvae may be seen in cranberry in June and July. Larvae are light green with a narrow light stripe on each side of the body, two light stripes along the back and a pale head. Mature larvae are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long.

The moth's forewings are grey with a distinct silver, sickle-shaped spot near the middle of each wing. The body and the hind wings are dull grey or brown. These moths appear all summer long due to overlapping generations.

Control: Chemical control is usually not necessary, but if many larvae are detected, a registered insecticide for climbing cutworms is recommended. Consider spot-spraying if the infested area can be defined. Damage will be minimized if larvae are detected soon after hatching and, if insecticide is applied in the evening. Insecticides are most effective when larvae are small.
 

Alfalfa looper larva (photo coutesy of J. Miller)	Alfalfa looper moth

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