Caterpillars are pretty variable (even in the same location, there can be different color morphs of the same species) but corn earworm (aka tomato fruitworm) would be a good bet. There are cutworms that look similar as well (cutworms *will* climb plants and damage leaves/fruit; they don’t just attack seedlings).
Anyways, regardless of the species, the control is pretty much the same — handpick when you see them, and/or spray whatever you’re comfortable with. The “organic” folks usually like Bt spores (I’m not sure if that’s effective for all species, or which ones). I’m partial to liquid Sevin; works extremely well on caterpillars.
upvoter_lurker20
Looks like it is either an army worm or cut worm, but are super destructive to young plants
MadYokel
Try growing some basil in the same spot. Seems to work for horn worms.
3 Comments
Caterpillars are pretty variable (even in the same location, there can be different color morphs of the same species) but corn earworm (aka tomato fruitworm) would be a good bet. There are cutworms that look similar as well (cutworms *will* climb plants and damage leaves/fruit; they don’t just attack seedlings).
Anyways, regardless of the species, the control is pretty much the same — handpick when you see them, and/or spray whatever you’re comfortable with. The “organic” folks usually like Bt spores (I’m not sure if that’s effective for all species, or which ones). I’m partial to liquid Sevin; works extremely well on caterpillars.
Looks like it is either an army worm or cut worm, but are super destructive to young plants
Try growing some basil in the same spot. Seems to work for horn worms.