Sharp stigma looper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sharp stigma looper |
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The sharp stigma looper (scientific name: Ctenoplusia oxygramma) is a type of moth. It belongs to a family of moths called Noctuidae. This moth gets its common name from a special mark on its wings.
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Meet the Sharp Stigma Looper Moth!
This interesting moth was first described by Carl Geyer in 1832. It is known for its unique appearance and where it lives. Moths are insects that are closely related to butterflies. They are often active at night.
What Does It Look Like?
The sharp stigma looper moth is a medium-sized moth. Its wingspan is about 35 millimeters (which is about 1.4 inches). This means that when its wings are spread out, they measure about 3.5 centimeters across.
Where Does It Live?
You can find the sharp stigma looper moth in many places. In North America, it lives in southern Ontario in Canada. It also lives in the eastern parts of the United States, reaching as far west as Arizona.
This moth has also been seen in states like Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Beyond the United States, it lives in Mexico and the Antilles. Its home range stretches south from California all the way to Brazil and Argentina. It has even been reported in India.
What Does It Eat?
Like many moths, the sharp stigma looper moth feeds on certain plants. These plants are called its "food plants." The caterpillars of this moth eat leaves from several different types of plants.
Some of the plants they are known to eat include Aster plants. They also feed on Erigeron canadensis, which is also known as horseweed. Another plant on their menu is Nicotiana tabacum, which is the tobacco plant. Finally, they also enjoy eating Solidago plants, which are often seen with bright yellow flowers.
