In many gardens, tomato plants become prime targets for leaf-chewing larvae that thrive on tender foliage. These small but voracious feeders often go unnoticed at first, blending in with the green leaves around them. Their appetite is intense, and in just a few days, a thriving plant can look ragged, with stems stripped bare and fruit scarred or hollowed. Because of their stealthy habits, the first sign of their presence is often the damage they leave behind rather than the insects themselves.
The harm they cause extends beyond leaves. Some burrow into stems, weakening the plant’s structure, while others tunnel directly into the fruit. This not only reduces the overall harvest but also makes the tomatoes more susceptible to rot and secondary infections. In large numbers, they can devastate a garden, wiping out tender transplants or even mature plants before the grower has a chance to intervene.
These leaf-eating pests are highly adaptable and can appear at different stages of the growing season. They may target young seedlings early on, cutting them at the base, or wait until fruit has formed, damaging the crop before it ripens. Their activity often peaks during warm months, when growth is at its fastest and food is abundant. Their persistence makes them a consistent threat across regions where tomatoes are cultivated.
One of their advantages lies in camouflage. Their green or brown bodies allow them to remain hidden among stems and leaves. They tend to feed at night or hide under leaves during the day, making them harder to spot. Gardeners may not realize the extent of the problem until entire sections of the plant have been eaten or fruit shows obvious signs of intrusion.
Caterpillars That Eat Tomato Plants
Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata)
One of the most notorious pests of tomato plants, this large green caterpillar is easily identified by its white diagonal stripes and a horn-like projection at the tail end. They can grow up to 4 inches long and consume massive amounts of foliage, often stripping plants bare. In addition to leaves, they will chew into green fruit, leaving large scars.
Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta)
Closely related to the tomato hornworm, this species has diagonal white stripes and a red horn. It is equally destructive, feeding heavily on tomato leaves, stems, and fruit. Though named for its preference for tobacco, it thrives in tomato gardens, especially in warm climates.
Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni)
This pale green caterpillar arches its body as it crawls, giving it a distinctive “looping” movement. While it primarily feeds on brassicas, it also attacks tomato plants. It chews irregular holes in leaves, weakening the plant’s ability to photosynthesize effectively.
Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
These small green caterpillars often feed in groups, skeletonizing tomato leaves and damaging new growth. They are particularly harmful to seedlings and young plants. In severe infestations, they can also chew into flowers and fruit, reducing yields significantly.
Southern Armyworm (Spodoptera eridania)
This caterpillar feeds on a wide variety of plants, including tomatoes. It is highly destructive because it consumes both leaves and fruit. The larvae often appear in large numbers, leaving ragged foliage and fruit with deep feeding holes.
Yellowstriped Armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Identified by their yellow stripes along the sides of their bodies, these caterpillars feed on tomato leaves and can also bore into fruit. They are less common than other armyworms but can cause serious localized damage in gardens and fields.
Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
Though best known as a pest of corn, this species also targets tomatoes. It chews large holes in fruit, leaving them unmarketable. Once inside, it can hollow out the tomato, making it rot quickly.
Variegated Cutworm (Peridroma saucia)
These caterpillars often hide in soil during the day and emerge at night to feed. On tomatoes, they chew through stems near the soil line, causing plants to collapse. They may also feed on lower leaves and fruit close to the ground.
Black Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)
Like the variegated cutworm, this species cuts young tomato plants at the base. Their feeding can wipe out newly transplanted seedlings in a short time. They sometimes climb to feed on leaves, but most of their destruction is at the soil level.
Fruitworm (Helicoverpa armigera)
A close relative of the corn earworm, this caterpillar tunnels into tomato fruit, leaving behind waste and making the produce inedible. They often target ripening fruit, which causes severe economic loss in large-scale tomato farming.
Spodoptera litura (Cluster Caterpillar)
A serious pest in Asia and Africa, this species attacks a broad range of crops, including tomatoes. The larvae feed in groups, rapidly defoliating plants before moving on. They also damage fruit, making them unsuitable for consumption.
Tomato Pinworm (Keiferia lycopersicella)
This small caterpillar mines into tomato leaves, creating blotchy tunnels that weaken plants. As they mature, they bore into stems and fruit, leaving behind silk and frass. Infestations can spread quickly in greenhouses and warm outdoor climates.