Celery Looper

Adults typically rest with wings folded rooflike over the back. The forewing is gray or tan, with a rectangular, darker brown patch bordered by a curved silvery white line which often ends in a small reddish spot.

Larvae are pale green “loopers,” which move inchworm-like by humping their backs. A white or pale line runs down each side; these contain a row of small white spiracles edged in black. There are sparse, minute hairs and tiny light markings on the rest of the body.

There are several similar species of noctuid (owlet) moths in Missouri.