Green cloverworm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green cloverworm |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The green cloverworm (scientific name: Hypena scabra) is a type of moth. It's also known as the black snout because of its long mouthparts. This moth belongs to a large family of moths called Erebidae. A scientist named Johan Christian Fabricius first described this species in 1798.
Contents
About the Green Cloverworm
The green cloverworm is a common moth. It gets its name because its larvae (caterpillars) often feed on clover and other similar plants. The adult moths are usually a dull brown or gray color.
Where Green Cloverworms Live
You can find the green cloverworm across a wide area. It lives in North America, from Canada all the way south to Florida and Texas. It has also been seen in Great Britain. This shows they can adapt to different environments.
Appearance of the Adult Moth
Adult green cloverworms are not very big. Their wingspan is usually between 25 and 35 millimeters. That's about 1 to 1.4 inches wide. They are often seen flying during the warmer months. In places with warm weather all year, you might spot them any time.
Life Cycle and Diet
The green cloverworm goes through several stages in its life. Like all moths, it starts as an egg, then hatches into a larva (caterpillar), becomes a pupa, and finally an adult moth.
What the Larvae Eat
The larvae of the green cloverworm are plant-eaters. They especially like low-growing plants called legumes. These include common farm crops like alfalfa, bean, clover, pea, and soybean. They also munch on woody legumes such as false indigo and locust trees.
Besides legumes, these caterpillars can eat other plants too. Some of these include birch, cherry, corn, elm, hackberry, New Jersey tea, poplar, ragweed, sida, strawberry, and willow.
How Many Generations Per Year
Green cloverworms have many generations in a single year. This means that new groups of moths are born and grow up multiple times. This helps them spread and survive in different seasons.
Images for kids
-
A green cloverworm moth resting on a leaf.
-
Another view of the green cloverworm.
