Botanical name
Chrysodeixis spp.
Common name
Green looper caterpillar, Loopers, Semi-loopers, Green loopers, Vegetable loopers, Tobacco loopers
Green Looper caterpillar identification
The Green looper caterpillar is a regular sight in Australian gardens. Their common name is derived from the way their body ‘loops’ up in the middle when they travel. In order to move forward, they grip onto leaves and stems with their front legs then arch their body so the hind legs come up to meet them. Now gripping with their hind legs, they straighten out, moving their front legs forward. The process is then repeated.
The caterpillars (larvae) are fat, fleshy and bright lime green in colour with faint white stripes running down the length of their body. They grow to around 40mm in length.
The adult moths are brown with silver patterns on their forewings and a wingspan of around 30-40mm (an image of the moth can be seen here). The eggs are small and pale yellowish white in colour. The larvae pupate on the undersides of leaves or in folded leaves in a flimsy white cocoon (see image above).
Damage caused
Caterpillars chew large holes in leaves, fruits and flower buds. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves during the day, feeding at night.
Plants attacked
Many weeds and ornamentals as well as fruit and vegetable plants. They seem to be particularly fond of tomatoes and strawberries (in my experience).
Organic Pest Control
Checking plants regularly for chewed leaves then picking the caterpillars off by hand is the best way to reduce numbers and damage caused. Squash any eggs. Covering fruit and vegetable crops with fine protection netting/bags will also assist in preventing attack.
Natural predators include parasitic wasps, Assassin bugs, Lacewings, ladybirds and birds.
See also Cotton Leafworm / Tobacco Cutworm. This caterpillar has a taste for vegetable gardens as well!
