Green Cloverworm Moth

What it is

The Green Cloverworm or Black Snout (Hypena scabra) is a moth of the Erebidae family. It is found from Canada south to Florida and Texas. It has also been reported from Great Britain.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find them almost anywhere clover and other leafy plants grow, including fields, gardens, and woodlands all over the US.

How to find it

Look near clover plants, especially at night or early morning. They are small and may hide amongst the leaves.

Best time of day

Nighttime and early morning, summer and fall.

How it lives

What it eats

Clover, soybeans, and other leafy plants.

What eats it

Birds, bats, spiders, and other insect-eating animals.

Worth knowing

• The caterpillars are also green, making them hard to spot.
• They are part of a very large moth family called the 'owlet moths'.
• They can be found in almost every state in the US.
• Sometimes, there are so many of them they can eat a lot of clover!
• Their wings look a bit like a dry leaf when they are resting.
• Green cloverworm moths are important for farm ecosystems.

Why it matters

Green cloverworm moths help control the growth of clover and other plants. They are also a food source for many animals.