Common name : Green garden looper caterpillar
Scientific name : Chrysodeixis eriosoma
Family : Noctuidae
Native to : North & South America, Wadelai, Aden, Japan, China, India, Malaysia, Australia
Interesting fact : The moth of this caterpillar has red hair like scales that protrude from the side of its abdomen, giving this moth its scientific name.
The caterpillars are about 4 cm in length and are green with faint white lines on their bodies. But because these caterpillars move like inchworms in a ‘looping’ fashion, they are known as ‘loopers’. The adult has a wingspan of about 42 mm. Considered a major horticulture pest, its diet is comprised of plants, specifically the Ficus. Growth into adulthood varies from 14 days in summer to 1 month in winter.
