Tomato Looper

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, greenhouses, and home gardens where host plants like tomatoes or peppers are grown.

Diet & Feeding

Polyphagous herbivore; feeds primarily on the foliage of tomato, potato, tobacco, and various ornamental plants.

Behavior Patterns

Moves with a characteristic 'looping' motion due to lacking middle prolegs; caterpillars are primarily nocturnal feeders and pupate in a loose silken cocoon on the underside of leaves.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pest that can cause severe defoliation and damage to fruit; they offer no direct benefit to humans and are often managed with biological controls or pesticides.

Identified on: 3/24/2026