Brown Pasture Looper
Ciampa arietaria
Larvae are up to 25mm long, are dark brown to grey with a yellow line along the back either side of a conspicuous dark band. They have a red colouration surrounding the spiracles (breathing holes) on the sides of their body. Larvae move with a looping action except when mature. Moths are 20mm long and are pale dusty-brown with grey and brown streaking on the forewings. Wings are held over the body at rest. One generation per year.
Check crops after establishment particularly around the perimeter of the crop. High numbers can be found on broad leaf weeds, particularly capeweed.
Larvae feed on leaves and are present from July to October. Older larvae can move in large numbers into crops from adjoining pastures, resulting in severe defoliation.
Glossy shield bug, spined predatory shield bug and caterpillar egg parasites.
SARDI; DAFWA