Brown pasture looper

Ciampa arietaria

Larvae are up to 25 mm long and are dark brown to grey with a yellow line and pale stripe running down either side of the back and a row of red spots on either side of the body. Larvae move with a looping action. Moths are 20 mm long and are pale dusty brown with grey and brown streaking on the forewings. Wings are held over the body when at rest.

Canola, lupins and broadleaf pastures. Capeweed is a favoured host.
Damage: Larvae feed on leaves. Older larvae can move in large numbers into crops, resulting in severe defoliation.