fruitworms
Crop-destroying caterpillars
Fruitworms are caterpillars that feed on fruit, damaging crops like tomatoes, cranberries, and apples.
The term covers larvae of several moth species—tomato fruitworm, cranberry fruitworm, green fruitworm—each targeting different plants.
They bore into developing fruit, causing it to rot or drop prematurely: The tomatoes were riddled with fruitworm damage.
Pest takeover situation
- boringFailing to engage interest
- tunnelingDigging underground passages
- scarringPermanent mark formation
- rotOrganic breakdown process
blemish · wormy · spoilage · contamination · crop loss · unmarketable · culling · exit hole
Moth or butterfly young
- grubFood or larva
- instarArthropod developmental stage
- moltShed outer covering
- larvalOf early insect stages
pupa · metamorphosis · mandible · feeding · boring · tunneling · hatching · egg
Agent destroying harmful organisms
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- sprayingDispersing liquid as mist
- biological controlPest suppression via natural enemies
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
beneficial insects · scouting · timing · threshold · sanitation
infestation
Pest takeover situation
- boringFailing to engage interest
- tunnelingDigging underground passages
- scarringPermanent mark formation
rot · blemish · wormy · spoilage · contamination · crop loss · unmarketable · culling · exit hole · frass
apple
Crisp tree fruit
corn · peach · pear · plum · blueberry · raspberry · citrus · grape · walnut · orchard
caterpillar
Moth or butterfly young
larval · pupa · metamorphosis · mandible · feeding · boring · tunneling · hatching · egg · lifecycle
pesticide
Agent destroying harmful organisms
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- sprayingDispersing liquid as mist
- biological controlPest suppression via natural enemies
monitoring · beneficial insects · scouting · timing · threshold · sanitation
fruitwormsbeneficial insects
Arthropods aiding agriculture
pollinators · honeybees · bumblebees · predatory insects · parasitic wasps