Damage Symptoms:

Ragged, irregular holes: Looper larvae chew ragged, irregular holes in leaves, especially along the margins. 

"Feeding windows": Young larvae sometimes create a "feeding window" by eating the leaf tissue between veins on the underside of the leaf, leaving a clear, transparent area. 

Frass (fecal matter): The larvae leave copious amounts of frass (greenish-brown fecal material) on the leaves and heads of cole crops, which can contaminate the produce. 

Defoliation: In severe cases, loopers can completely defoliate plants, especially in outbreak years. 

Stunted growth: Heavy infestations can stunt the growth of plants, particularly in young seedlings. 

Yield loss: Damage can lead to reduced yields, especially in crops like soybeans. 

Target Crops:

Cole crops: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and other cole crops are commonly attacked by looper larvae. 

Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a significant host for loopers, especially during outbreak years. 

Soybeans: Soybean loopers can cause considerable yield losses, particularly during the podding and flowering stages. 

Vegetables: Loopers can feed on a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, celery, parsley, beets, peas, potatoes, and tomatoes. 

Other crops: Loopers have been reported on other crops like cotton, tea, and even some ornamental plants.