The Large Looper Moth, also called the Brown-patched Looper Moth and Broken-banded Y, flies most commonly in June and July in our area. Part of the Looper subfamily (Plusiinae), the larvae lack two pairs of prolegs in the middle of the body. Without those fleshy foot-like organs the larvae move with a “looping motion,” much like an inchworm. Larvae are generalist feeders on many kinds of hardwood trees and shrubs, but may have an affinity for the birch, willow, and rose families. This species has a large range in North America.
Photo by: Glenn Marangelo on 7/5/21 in Missoula, MT