Question of the Week – Corn Earworm

This week, the question was: What caterpillar is this that was found boring into a tomato?

This is a corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). This common caterpillar pest is known by other names, including tomato fruitworm, cotton bollworm, and soybean podworm. Corn earworms are considered to be one of the most economically important insect pests in North America, partly due to their vast host range. Sweet corn and tomatoes are their preferred vegetable crop hosts. In tomatoes, earworms may feed on the leaves or stems, but are most commonly found feeding within the fruit as seen here. Several fruit may be damaged by a single worm before it reaches maturity. Read more about corn earworms here.

This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.