Tomato Pinworm

Agricultural fields, gardens, and greenhouses where solanaceous plants (like tomatoes) are grown, primarily in warm climates.

Larvae feed on the foliage and fruit of plants in the Solanaceae family, including tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

Larvae initially create serpentine mines in leaves before folding leaves together or boring into fruit to feed. Adults are small, nocturnal moths that lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.

Significant crop pest that causes economic damage by ruining tomato fruit and reducing photosynthetic capacity of the plant; no known benefits to the ecosystem.