Alfalfa Looper
 
Location: Calgary, AB
Date: Sept. 26, 2005		                
       Photo 3

Common Name:  Alfalfa Looper

Latin Name:  Autographa californica Speyer, 1875
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Wingspan:  40 mm

Range: Throughout Alberta

Habitat:  Meadows, edges of woodlands, gardens and croplands including hayfields

Time of year seen: May & July to October (Additional Sightings)

Caterpillar's Diet:   Vegetable and forage plants

Other:  A common western species with a wide range from Alaska to northern Mexico and east to S.W. Saskatchewan. 

Adults are active both during the day and at night.    It is not unusual to see the moths later in the afternoon nectaring on late blooming flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers and alfalfa.  Adults are also attracted to light at night. (Powell et al, 2009)
 
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