April, ’24 j 
smith: forage looper 
317 
ure (0 ) lying between 0 3 and ocellus VI. Subocellar setae (SO 1 , SO 2 , SO 3 ) triangu¬ 
larly placed and approximately equidistant; subocellar puncture not distinguishable. 
Genal seta and puncture (G 1 , G a ) minute; puncture before the seta.” 
The larvae during the first and second instars eat the epidermis from 
the leaves while later instars skeletonize the leaves. The larger larvae, 
when abundant may entirely defoliate the plant. This was never ob¬ 
served in fields but often occurred in cages. The larvae hold fast by means 
of the abdominal legs, then reach out in all directions for food or support. 
When disturbed they curl up in a distinctive manner. The head and 
thorax are bent ventrad, bringing the venter of this region in contact 
with the venter of the abdomen. When not feeding, they usually 
remain fully extended and motionless on leaves or stems near the top 
of the plant. 
In the early spring and late fall, especially the latter, the larvae are 
smaller and much darker colored. They are banded as during the sum¬ 
mer, but there is more black and red in the bands. The larvae resemble 
rather closely, as to coloration, the larvae of Laphygma flavimaculata 
Harv. and Diallagma angustiorata Grt. 
Pupa. After a minimum period of two weeks, the larvae are fully 
grown and make preparations for pupation. The larvae tie leaves, 
stems, earth or excrement together with silk, making a concealing cocoon 
in which they rest one or two days as prepupae. During this time the 
coloration becomes subdued, the body shorter and somewhat spindle 
shaped. The pupae are whitish, appearing as if a brown cocoon had 
become moldy or stained with a whitish coat, and are about 15 mm. in 
length. Pupae in the field sometimes occur among the leaves of the 
plant, but more commonly they are under the plant among the leaves 
and trash on the surface of the ground. Overwintering pupae are found 
below the surface of the soil, usually about two inches. 
The Adult. The adult has been described and figured several times, 
but usually only the male is figured (except Webster, 1898, and Holland: 
Moth Book, pi. XXX, fig. 14). Since the coloration in the two sexes 
is so different, both are figured here (Figs. 11, 6 and 9). They are 
rather swift fliers and may be mistaken, especially the female, for the 
moth of the corn earworm ( Chloridea ohsoleta Fab.). When disturbed 
they fly swiftly a short distance, alighting on the upper sides of exposed 
leaves, low down on the plant or on the ground. Their flight is jerky 
and somewhat erratic. They are attracted somewhat to lights and 
various baits placed in cone traps. Vinegar and molasses was apparently 
more attractive than banana oil, molasses, sugar water, or water. 
