VARIOUS LOOPER moths & MOONSEED MOTH
Celery Looper moth. These are much more common in our area than Bilobed Loopers. They come to black lights and also nectar on flowers during the daytime.
This is a Celery Looper moth, nectaring on chrysanthemums.
Unspotted Looper. Unlike most looper moths, this species does not have a white stigma. Unspotted Looper moths have yellow faces, and their wings are violet and golden-brown.
Golden Looper, photographed October 24, 2020, at Cox Arboretum. This species typically lives further to our south. It is uncommon to see one in Ohio.
Bilobed Looper. The large fused stigma is its distinctive feature.
Moonseed Moth. This gorgeous species is named after its host plant, Common Moonseed.
Golden Looper, photographed November 3, 2016, at Cox Arboretum. I found this moth on a rather gray, overcast day. I remember thinking that it would be a waste of time to look for butterflies in such weather. Sure enough, I did not find any butterflies - but this little gem of a moth more than made up for it.
Another view of the Golden Looper moth. I have found only two individuals, this one and the one below (both at Cox Arboretum).
I find Unspotted Looper moths at my lights from May through October.
I have found Celery Loopers every month from May through November, but they are more common in late summer and fall.
Another shot of the Celery Looper (same individual as above). He did not want to sit still very long for photos!
Moonseed Moth. I have found several individuals at my UV lights from April through August.
Another Moonseed Moth, resting on my fingertip.
Bilobed Loopers are migrants, and their presence in our area is unpredictable. I have found a few individuals at sporadic times from April through September.