Omnivorous Looper

Omnivorous looper (Sabulodes aegrotata) is a moth found in northwestern North America. Northern California is the southern part of its habitat. The moth is mostly tan to orangish on top, with a black stripe across the middle of its wings. Also called avocado looper, it feeds on several dozen plant species including avocado. Females live 2 to 3 weeks, and lay eggs in clusters of 3 to 80 on the underside of leaves. Hatched larvae grow to 2 to 2.5 inches long and are mostly yellow to pale green or pink, with a gold-colored head. Numbers increase with warmer temperatures in spring. Omnivorous looper is considered a pest in California. Spiders, wasps, and some flies are important looper predators.