Shiny metallic...

I'm a huge fan of the Loopers. These compact, often shiny devils are the ultimate prize on occasion. Here in Ontario we have a fine selection of Loopers. Most are resident species but quite a few others are uncommon or rare migrants from further south. There are several different genera but here we are concentrating on the genus Plusia.

The beautiful moth above is Plusia putnami, or Putnam's Looper Moth. I was very pleased to see this one on the sheet because it had been about 12 years since I saw my last and I only had some rather grim-looking slides in my photo file. It is fairly widespread in the province but must surely be very local, or I would have caught more over the years. The adult flies from June until October whilst the larvae feed on bur-reed, grasses and sedges. It is only really similar to the species below. So...


On to this one, Plusia contexta, the Connected Looper Moth. A bit more golden overall with the metallic stigma spots fused. Again, a very local species in Ontario. They fly from June until October and the larvae feed on various grasses.


Lastly, not a looper but a fern moth. Callopistria cordata, the Silver-spotted Fern Moth. Pretty common, but lovely nonetheless. This moth is on the wing in June and July, the larvae feed, rather predictably, on ferns...