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Alfalfa looper moth

Autographa californica

Mottled gray-brown moth with figure-eight marking on wing. Larvae feed on diverse plants; adults pollinate evening-blooming natives in Bay Area gardens.

Plants that support Alfalfa looper moth

6 plants

California Golden Violet

Viola pedunculata

moderate

perennial herb

Polyphagous moth larvae feeding on viola leaves

Bay Area native

Exserted Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja exserta subsp. exserta

moderate

annual

larval food plant

Bay Area native

Hillside Gooseberry

Ribes californicum var. californicum

moderate

shrub

Larval feeding on currant leaves during spring growth

Bay Area native

Mount Diablo Manzanita

Arctostaphylos auriculata

moderate

shrub

Adult nectar foraging during spring activity period

Bay Area nativeKeystone species

Royal Larkspur

Delphinium variegatum subsp. variegatum

moderate

perennial herb

Larval feeding on plant foliage during growing season

Bay Area native

Rubber Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa

moderate

perennial herb

Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage

Bay Area native