Tomato Fruitworm

Tomato Fruitworm
Helicoverpa armigera
Damage symptoms

A small darkened partially healed hole at the base of the fruit pedicel is evident. The inside of the fruit has a cavity that contains frass and decay. Damaged fruits ripen early, but these are not usually marketable.


Insect characteristics

Chewing mouthparts. The young, small caterpillars have prominent rows of dark bumps (tubercles) on their backs. The older, larger ones vary in color from dark gray to light brown and have lengthwise stripes on their bodies. Adult moths are usually active at night.

Where to look

Look at the base of the fruit pedicel. If you find a darkened hole, remove the fruit and cut it open. Inside you will see tunneling caused by the insect. This cavity may contain frass and decay. Often the caterpillar is present.

Technical information

In warm areas, several generations may occur. Caterpillars often move from one fruit to the next destroying only small portions of each fruit. Pupation occurs in soil near the base of the plant. Adults are extremely fecund; they are active during the day but more commonly at dust. Eggs are laid on the pepper plant. These insects are pests of other crops in the solanaceous family, for example, tomato. They also commonly feed on maize.

Caterpillar inside pepper


External damage