What are the green worms that eat the leaves off tomato plants?

Tomatoes are a popular and delicious garden crop, but they are also a favorite food of many pests. One of the most common and destructive pests that can attack tomato plants are green worms that eat the leaves. These worms can quickly devastate a tomato plant and ruin a whole crop if left unchecked. In this article, we will explore what these green worms are and how you can protect your tomato plants from them.

The types of green worms that eat tomato leaves

The most common green worms that eat tomato leaves are the tomato hornworm and the tobacco hornworm. These worms are the larval stage of the sphinx moth, also known as the hawk moth or hummingbird moth. The adult moth lays eggs on the leaves of tomato plants, and when they hatch, the larvae feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. The tomato hornworm is smaller, has white stripes on the sides, and a black spike on its tail. The tobacco hornworm is larger, has diagonal white stripes on its sides, and a red horn on its tail. Both types of worms can quickly strip a tomato plant of its foliage, causing substantial damage to the plant's health and productivity.

How to identify green worms on your tomato plants

You can easily identify green worms on your tomato plants by looking for large, chewed holes in the leaves of the plant. You may also see small black or brown droppings, which are the worm's feces, on the leaves or the ground around the plant. If you spot these signs, you should check the plant carefully for green worms. They are often camouflaged by their green color, making them difficult to spot at first glance. However, they can also be detected by their large size and the telltale white stripes or red horn on their tails.

Preventing green worms from eating your tomato plants

The best way to prevent green worms from eating your tomato plants is to take steps to discourage the sphinx moth from laying their eggs on your tomato plants. The adult moths are attracted to bright lights, so you should avoid placing lights near your tomato plants in the evening. You can also use row covers to protect your tomato plants from the moths and their eggs. If you do find worms on your plants, you can remove them by hand or use an organic pesticide to control their numbers.

Conclusion

Green worms are a common pest that can devastate tomato plants, but they are also easy to identify and control with the right measures. By taking steps to discourage the sphinx moth and promptly removing any green worms from your tomato plants, you can enjoy a healthy and productive tomato crop.