Bug

[cwi]

Today I was looking through my tomatoes and found this…
Can anybody identify this?

[Talon1189]

Tomato "Hornworm"

[cwi]

thanks, fist time I have found one.

[mecktom]

Same as a tobacco hornworm. Had them every year in my tobacco fields. Just collect them and dispose of. They make great bait if you go fishing.

[cwi]

well, after doing some research on the net, I found and killed 7 more.
This is the first time I have had these since I got back into gardening in 96. I also don't remember ever seeing them as a kid growing up on the farm in the U.P. either.

[Dewayne mater]

CWI - there is never just one! They can be hard to spot with their camo color, but you get better at spotting them. Look for two signs, poop and eaten leaves. If you see advancements of either, you've got more! I've had 3 cycles of them this season so far, fyi, so you can expect to see them again. They can't tolerate BT, so if you are going to be out of town for a day or two or otherwise can't be vigilant on hand picking, be sure to spray your plants before you go. It beats coming home to stripped plants, which these voracious eaters can do is short order. Good luck.

[hasshoes]

You can buy organic BT- it's just a bacteria or whatever that kills caterpillars and them only after a few days. Not harmful to people or pets (though I wouldn't drink it. ;0) Also good for the small caterpillars, which should be on their way soon. I think the warm dry season has more moths out this year.

[dustdevil]

Cook it like a Witchetty Grub on the barbie...seven would feed a million Americans;-)

[cwi]

well, I got home from work today and went over every tomato plant that I have. All 100 of them top to bottom, no worms. I will be looking keeping my eyes peeled for them.
Bill

[hasshoes]

Be on the lookout too for the eggs. They are usually on the upper leaves, solitary, and a light clear green.