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Identification
Large green caterpillars with diagonal white stripes and a distinctive horn-like tail spike, found on tomato and related plants.
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Life Cycle
Overwinter as pupae in soil; moths emerge in early summer to lay eggs on leaf undersides; one to two generations per year.
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Damage Signs
Voracious feeders that can strip a plant of leaves and chew into green fruit within days due to their large size.
healing
Treatment
Hand-pick caterpillars, especially effective since they are large and easy to spot once located. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis for heavier infestations.
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Prevention
Till soil after harvest to expose overwintering pupae to predators and cold. Encourage parasitic wasps.