Community identification
Tomato Pinworm
Keiferia lycopersicella
- Order & Family
- Order Lepidoptera, Family Gelechiidae
- Size
- Larvae grow up to 6-8 mm; adults have a wingspan of about 9-12 mm.
Natural Habitat
Agricultural fields, gardens, and greenhouses where solanaceous plants like tomatoes are grown.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on leaves (leaf miners) and bore into the fruit of tomato, eggplant, and potato plants.
Behavior Patterns
Early stages create blotch mines in leaves; older larvae fold leaves or bore into fruit. They complete their life cycle in as little as 4 weeks in warm weather.
Risks & Benefits
Significant agricultural pest that can cause major crop loss in tomatoes; no benefit to the ecosystem or humans.