Caenurgina erechtea

(Cramer, 1780)
Forage Looper

Sort #: 2348 | P #: 930924 | MPG #: 8739 | PFG Page #: 356
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Larval substrate: Mostly legumes, also a variety of grasses and herbaceous plants, incl. Lespedeza (Bush-clover), Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Trifolium (Clover), Ambrosia (Ragweed), Vaccinium (Blueberry), Brachiaria mutica (Para Grass), Glycine max (Soybean)
Phenology: Adult: 4/14 to 6/12 and 6/21 to 10/24 (215 records)

Comment: Traditional distinguishing characters apparently do not hold up well, therefore dissection is necessary for a correct id. The traditional characters are still used here for the two species (crassiuscula and erechtea)

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, very common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1833
Last Year Reported: 2026

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 448