Insect Identification Help (pics)

[lapk78]

First, let me admit to being somewhat of a noob, so if this is a dumb question, let me appologise in advance. I've done some research, but can't identify these particular bugs.

Just a few days ago, I discovered tiny holes on the lower leaves of my tomato plants which I'm growing in EarthTainers on my 2nd floor apartment balcony. Upon closer inspection, I saw very tiny, green caterpillars were the cause of the holes. The caterpillars are about 1/8 " long.

I removed (smooshed) as many as I could by hand, then I sprayed the leaves with Garden Safe brand Insecticidal Soap which did kill the caterpillars.

Over the next few days, this same scenario repeated itself, but the holes in the leaves were slowly getting higher on the plants.

Does anybody here know what I'm dealing with? What action should I take? Please help. Thanks in advance!


-Lyle

[Worth1]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...IzC1hQ&cad=rja
Cabbage Looper
That cute little inch worm.
Well in your case 1/16 inch worm, Is a baby, "have a cigar".
Yep that is what it is they just dont eat cabbage.
Those moths around your lights at night turn into these and cut worms.

I might add there are several insecticides available some organic some not.
Now that you know what they are you will know what to look for to kill them

[b54red]

Try a dust with BT in it like Dipel and if that doesn't take care of them in a couple of days then hit them with Sevin and it will get rid of them.

[Heritage]

Yes, spray with BT (bacillus thuringiensis). Make sure to spray under the leaves. It may take a few days to kill them but they will quit eating almost immediately.

Steve

[tjg911]

spray with BT (i use liquid concentrate and mix with water. application is easier than dust) no need to spray under leaves. as long as they eat any part of any leaf with BT on it they will stop feeding immediately and die in a couple of days.

i thought it looked like a cabbage loper but i never knew they attacked tomato plants, only cruciferous plants.

tom

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by tjg911

spray with BT (i use liquid concentrate and mix with water. application is easier than dust) no need to spray under leaves. as long as they eat any part of any leaf with BT on it they will stop feeding immediately and die in a couple of days.

i thought it looked like a cabbage loper but i never knew they attacked tomato plants, only cruciferous plants.

tom

Well they seem to like my yard long beans and cucumber plants better than tomatoes because that is what they are eating as we speak.

No doubt they would be after tomato leaves if I didn't have the beans to snack on.

BT tomorrow, too much wind today.

Worth

[tjg911]

apparently cabbage loopers will eat anything! i thought they were called cabbage loopers cuz they eat cabbage and other plants in that family (cruciferous). i see them on broccoli but those are the only 2 cruciferous vegetables i now grow.

try the liquid concentrate. dust is hard to use especially if it is windy but you can spray it even if windy just stand upside with the wind.

tom

[Worth1]

Tom

I have the Ortho dial and spray.
What a great device it is too.
Much better than dusting or a pump sprayer.
Just fill the container and set the dial for what the mix is supposed to be.
After use just dump the stuff back in the original container if you have any left.
I sprayed the whole garden down with BT and the loopers have stopped eating.
They were eating everything but the tomatillos.
Worth

[DogsandDirt]

And what they don't eat they poop on.