Tomato: Bloom: Identifying Fruitworms and Armyworms

Identifying Fruitworms and Armyworms Before Fruit Set

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Beet armyworm larva
Tomato fruitworm larva

Using a collection tray, shake plants to dislodge armyworms and fruitworms. Identify caterpillars using the photos below. Map areas of concern for monitoring after fruit set. No treatment is required before fruit appears. Names link to information on identification and management.

Click on photos to enlarge

Beet armyworm larva
Identification tip: Larvae usually are dull green with many fine, wavy, light-colored stripes down the back and a broader stripe along each side.

Tomato fruitworm larva
Identification tip: Older larvae vary in color from yellowish green to nearly black, develop fine white lines along the body and retain black spots at the base of bristlelike hairs.

Beet armyworm larva
Identification tip: Larvae usually have a dark spot on the side of the thorax above the second true leg.

Tomato fruitworm larva
Identification tip: Older larvae also have patches of stubby spines on their body segments that are much shorter than the bristles and can be seen best with the use of a hand lens.

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