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Tomato > Fruit > Holes in fruit

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Credit: University of Georgia
Credit: Eric Burkness
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Tomato Hornworms

Damage occurs July through September
Chews holes in tomato fruit
Chews leaves, can completely defoliate plants
Caterpillar grows up to 4 inches long
Caterpillar is green with white marking and a conspicuous 'tail' on the tip of the abdomen
More information on Tomato Hornworms...

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Credit: Unknown
Credit: Jeff Hahn
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Slugs

Active spring and summer
Can chew holes in tomato fruits
Chews irregular holes in leaves; can completely defoliate plants
Feeds during night and typically not seen during day
1/4 to 2 inches long
Soft-bodied and typically brown or gray
More information on Slugs...

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Credit: Unknown
Credit: Unknown
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Picnic Beetles

Found on tomatoes July through September
Associated with overripe, rotting or damaged tomatoes
1/4 inch long
Black with orange spots
More information on Picnic Beetles...

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Credit: Dept. of Entomology, University of Minnesota
Credit: Eric Burkness
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Corn Earworm
also called tomato fruitworm

Damage occurs during August and September
Chews holes in tomato fruits
Caterpillars grow up to 2 inches long
Color may vary from brown to yellow, green, or black with 3 or 4 black strips on the sides of the body

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Credit: Eric Burkness
Credit: Sharon Smith
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Cutworms

Damage occurs during spring and summer
Stem chewed within 1 inch of base of plant (occurs during spring)
Can chew holes in leaves (spring and early summer)
Can chew holes in tomato fruit (summer)
Cutworms are grayish or brownish and up to 2 inches long; typically found during day hiding in soil

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