About Autographa precationis Guenée, 1852
Identification: It is thought that the common looper has recently expanded into the larger habitat created by increased soybean planting within its range. Wild larvae of this species have been observed feeding on soybean plants in addition to their usual food sources. The digestibility and food utilization efficiency of common loopers feeding on soybeans is not as high as that of Pseudoplusia includens, which indicates that common loopers have slightly different host plant preferences. Visually, these two species are extremely similar and easily confused. A key distinguishing feature is the silver wing spots: common looper silver spots are usually conjoined, while P. includens wing spots are separated. P. includens also has shinier wings than Autographa precationis. Larvae of this species are bright green, with small black false eye marks on each side of the head, and have 21 to 23 crochets per proleg.
