Common name : Tomato fruitworm moth
Scientific name : Helicoverpa armigera conferta
Family : Noctuidae
Native to : Worldwide distribution
Interesting fact : The larvae of this moth feed on tomatoes and corn, tunnelling through the tomato into the fruit; giving it the popular name ‘tomato fruitworm moth’.
While the moth is medium-sized with a wingspan of 36 mm, the larva is about 1.5-2.0 inches and usually green in colour. The female lays eggs on the foliage of the tomato plant so that the larvae may feed once they hatch. The larvae feed on a host of plants including tomatoes, corn, etc. Once the larvae have finished feeding, they drop from the fruits to the ground to pupate for almost 2 weeks after which the adult moth emerges.
