PEST
 
   NAME
     Looper Caterpillars
     Various Looper Caterpillar Species
 
   ORDER
     Lepidoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Noctuidae

Description of the Pest
The looper is so-called because of the larvae’s characteristic “looping” movement: the back legs move forward behind the front legs, causing the body to arch into an inverted “U” shape. They vary in colour and size; Brown Looper (Lophodes sinistraria) can grow to 50mm long, glossy black with yellowish bands then maturing to brown and found in coastal sub-tropical regions.

Green Wattle Looper (Thalaina species) adult is a small white moth with a wing span of 40mm and the lava is a slender green caterpillar with a rounded head. It is commonly found on ferny leaves Acacia species and when it is not feeding it takes up an erect position imitating a twig growing at an angle. It is difficult to detect and normally not requiring control.

Grevillea Lopper (Oenochroma vinaria) is a slender caterpillar that is greyish with orange bands and has two thorn-like projections on its back towards the head that it uses in a defence position. It is hairless with mottled orange colouring and grows to 80mm long.  The adult moth (pink belly moth) has a wing span up to 60mm across and is pinkish.

 Brown Looper (Lophodes sinistraria) are black with yellowish bands at first maturing to brown growing to 50mm long. It is a solitary feeder eating mature leaves and are found in tropical to sub tropical regions. 

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Many species are found throughout Australia from tropical to temperate regions.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.

Period of Activity
Most active during the warmer months the larva feed generally in the early morning or in the evening. Caterpillars are also active during cloudy days.

Damage Caused
Larvae are voracious feeders, skeletonising leaves or stripping them to the midrib preferring new growth.. Certain species feed solitary while others in groups. 
The Grevillea Lopper feeds solitary or in groups defoliating small areas in species such as Lambertia and Grevillea.  

Susceptible Plants
A wide range of native and exotic plants are attacked, depending on the species of looper. Plants with soft-textured foliage (eg vegetables, some indoor plants) are preferred.  The Brown Looper is found on Acmena smithii, Waterhousea floribunda and Macadamia species.

Tropaeolum and Calendula species are attacked by the Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni), which feeds on the leaves and flowers.Tropaeolum species are also attacked by the caterpillar (Pieris rapae), which eats the foliage.

Cultural Control
Small numbers may be removed by hand.

Biological Control
Birds and other predators reduce numbers.

Chemical Control
The plant may be sprayed using Carbaryl. During heavy infestations this method is effective.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.