| 1402121 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Larvae live in the soil and feed on and burrow into the roots of tobacco plants. |
| 1402128 |
cabbage looper |
Trichoplusia ni |
Loopers are pale green, about one inch long when full grown, and taper slightly toward the head. There is a thin, white line along each side of the body and two others along the middle of the back. Larvae are characterized by the presence of three pairs of fleshy prolegs (in addition to three pairs of jointed legs behind the head) and their habit of moving in a "looping" motion. They generally feed on the undersides of leaves, leaving small to moderate size ragged holes. Larvae also spin silken cocoons on the undersides of leaves in which they pupate. |
| 1402119 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Adult beetles are present on tobacco throughout the growing season (both in plant beds and in the field). Damage is characterized by small, round holes that give the leaves a "shot-hole" appearance. Injury is especially severe on newly transplanted tobacco. The lower leaves of larger plants can also be heavily damaged, especially near the base of the leaves. Adult beetles are brown with black markings and fine punctures on their wing covers. They are about 1/16 inch long. Adults pass the winter in grassy areas, woodlots, and other favorable sites in and around tobacco fields. The larvae are slender, white grubs 1/16 to 3/16 inch long with brown heads. Larvae live in the soil and feed on and burrow into the roots of tobacco plants. There are 3 to 5 generations of flea beetles per year. Several other species may occur in tobacco. |
| 1440107 |
yellowstriped armyworm |
Spodoptera ornithogalli |
The yellowstriped armyworm, is an occasional pest of tobacco. Full-grown larvae are about one inch long. They are predominately glossy black to gray with several pairs of triangular spots on the upper side of the body. A prominent longitudinal yellow stripe runs along each side. A distinct black spot can be seen immediately behind the third pair of legs. Yellowstriped armyworms chew roughly rounded holes in tobacco leaves. Economic infestations are rare in tobacco fields. The insect may occasionally be found feeding in tobacco beds. |
| 1440102 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Tobacco flea beetles, are major pests of tobacco. The are brownish black beetles about 1/16-inch long. Feeding by adults gives leaves a characteristic shot-hole appearance. They attack plants in the seedbeds almost as soon as they come up, often ruining entire plant beds. After transplanting, beetles become continue chewing holes into the leaves until the crop is harvested, weakening the plants and decreasing the value of the leaves. Heavy feeding on newly-set plants may cause stunting, resulting in uneven stands. The white, larvae burrow into the soil and feed on the roots of tobacco, cutting off the small roots and sometimes tunneling into the stalk. |
| 1440104 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Tobacco flea beetles, are major pests of tobacco. The are brownish black beetles about 1/16-inch long. Feeding by adults gives leaves a characteristic shot-hole appearance. They attack plants in the seedbeds almost as soon as they come up, often ruining entire plant beds. After transplanting, beetles become continue chewing holes into the leaves until the crop is harvested, weakening the plants and decreasing the value of the leaves. Heavy feeding on newly-set plants may cause stunting, resulting in uneven stands. The white, larvae burrow into the soil and feed on the roots of tobacco, cutting off the small roots and sometimes tunneling into the stalk. |
| 1440108 |
Japanese beetle |
Popillia japonica |
Japanese beetles, occasionally feed on tobacco in groups, causing a skeletonization of the leaf. The beetles are less than 1/2- inch in length, shiny metallic green, with copper brown forewings. There are six tufts of white hairs on each side of the body near the outer margins of the wing covers. These adults usually emerge from the soil during late May. Their population peaks four to five weeks later. Feeding is the greatest on warm sunny days. A relative humidity below 60% retards flying and induces the insect to feed extensively. The larvae are white grubs that feed in the soil, devouring the roots of a large number of plants, especially turf grasses. |
| 1440110 |
cabbage looper |
Trichoplusia ni |
The cabbage looper is a light green caterpillar with a thin white line along each side of the body. Two additional lines run along the midline of the back. Cabbage loopers have three pair of slender legs just behind the head and three pairs of fleshly legs near the rear end. The body tapers noticeably toward the head. An absence of legs in the mid-portion of the body results in the larvae moving with a "looping" motion. Cabbage loopers feed for two to four weeks, usually on the lower portion of the plant. |
| 1440111 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
The tobacco budworm is one of the most destructive pests of the tobacco. Eggs, laid by the adult moth on the tobacco leaves, hatch and eventually develop into 1 1/2-inch long larvae when full grown. The larvae are light to dark green and have several longitudinal pale stripes. They may chew small holes in the leaves before they reach the buds. Larvae then damage the bud or growing tip of the plant. They may appear any time during the growing season. The leaves that expand from the buds are often ragged and distorted. Because of their protected location on the plant, budworms are difficult to control. The corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), also attacks burley and is closely related to the budworm in appearance and feeding habits. |
| 1402126 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Tobacco and tomato hornworms [Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), Manduca quinquemaculata (Hawthorn)]: These two species, usually referred to collectively as "hornworms," are potentially the most destructive insect pests of tobacco. Newly hatched larvae are ¼ inch long, pale green with a large horn at the posterior end. Larger larvae (up to 3 or 4 inches) are bright green in color. Tobacco hornworm larvae have seven white diagonal stripes on each side and a curved red horn. Tomato hornworms have eight white V-shaped marks on each side and the horn is straighter and blue-black. Small larvae chew small irregular holes in leaves. Larger larvae more often feed on leaf margins and may leave only the midribs of leaves. |
| 1402123 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Tobacco budworm and corn earworm [Heliothis virescent (Fabricius), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)]: Both species attack tobacco, but the budworm is predominant. Larvae of both species are closely related, similar in appearance, and cannot be distinguished with the naked eye. When fully developed, larvae can range from pale greenish-yellow to red-brown to nearly black. Most have pale striped running lengthwise on the body, and small dark spots may be visible on each body segment. All have five pairs of fleshly prolegs in addition to three pairs of jointed legs near the head. The primary distinguishing feature of these pests is their habit of feeding in the bud. As this damage expands with the leaf, large regular holes are produced. Both species may also top plants, tunnel into stalks or midribs of leaves, or feed on seed pods. After topping, they may produce more irregular holes in expanded leaves. |
| 1402103 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
Larvae are small legless grubs (1/4 - 3/8 inch long) and somewhat C-shaped. They are cream to green with dark heads and may be difficult to see against young leaves. |
| 1402114 |
Japanese beetle |
Popillia japonica |
Adult beetles are metallic green with copper-colored wings and tufts of white hair around the posterior end. They are 3/8 to ½ inch long. Adults appear during late spring and early summer and are most active on bright sunny days. They migrate into tobacco fields and often feed in groups on the upper leaves of scattered plants. Feeding holes are of moderate size and irregular or ragged, giving leaves a lacy appearance. Larvae are the grubs which feed in the soil on roots other than tobacco. They are about one inch long at maturity, white or grayish white with a reddish-brown head and are somewhat C-shaped. |
| 1402115 |
Japanese beetle |
Popillia japonica |
They migrate into tobacco fields and often feed in groups on the upper leaves of scattered plants. Feeding holes are of moderate size and irregular or ragged, giving leaves a lacy appearance. Larvae are the grubs which feed in the soil on roots other than tobacco. They are about one inch long at maturity, white or grayish white with a reddish-brown head and are somewhat C-shaped. |
| 1402109 |
whitefringed beetles |
Naupactus spp. |
The flightless adults are dark gray, short-snouted weevils with a line of white hairs along each side. Adults are active in midsummer and may leave sawtooth cuts along leaf margins but cause little real damage. |
| 1402108 |
whitefringed beetles |
Naupactus spp. |
Larvae of this pest overwinter in the soil and feed under ground on roots and stems of recently set tobacco. This feeding may cause wilting, stunting or uneven stands. Yellow-white, legless grubs with light brown heads are heavy-bodied, slightly C-shaped, and up to ½ inch in length. They are often found in the soil near damaged plants or in stems. |
| 1402120 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Adult beetles are present on tobacco throughout the growing season (both in plant beds and in the field). Damage is characterized by small, round holes that give the leaves a "shot-hole" appearance. Injury is especially severe on newly transplanted tobacco. The lower leaves of larger plants can also be heavily damaged, especially near the base of the leaves. Adult beetles are brown with black markings and fine punctures on their wing covers. They are about 1/16 inch long. Adults pass the winter in grassy areas, woodlots, and other favorable sites in and around tobacco fields. The larvae are slender, white grubs 1/16 to 3/16 inch long with brown heads. Larvae live in the soil and feed on and burrow into the roots of tobacco plants. There are 3 to 5 generations of flea beetles per year. Several other species may occur in tobacco. |
| 1440098 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
The vegetable weevil, feeds as a larva and an adult, primarily at night. The adult is a dull gray-brown beetle, about 3/8- inch long, with a pale gray mark near the posterior end of each wing cover, forming an inconspicuous V-shaped spot. The pale green legless larvae have brown heads. Larvae may feed on tobacco in plant beds during early spring. Larvae may damage or destroy the bud and eat holes into the leaves. Larvae appear in spots and may damage a good size area. Because they feed mostly at night, it is difficult to locate them. However, the feeding damage is usually easy to see and should be used to determine the presence of this insect. |
| 1402124 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Tobacco budworm and corn earworm [Heliothis virescent (Fabricius), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)]: Both species attack tobacco, but the budworm is predominant. Larvae of both species are closely related, similar in appearance, and cannot be distinguished with the naked eye. When fully developed, larvae can range from pale greenish-yellow to red-brown to nearly black. Most have pale striped running lengthwise on the body, and small dark spots may be visible on each body segment. All have five pairs of fleshly prolegs in addition to three pairs of jointed legs near the head. The primary distinguishing feature of these pests is their habit of feeding in the bud. As this damage expands with the leaf, large regular holes are produced. Both species may also top plants, tunnel into stalks or midribs of leaves, or feed on seed pods. After topping, they may produce more irregular holes in expanded leaves. |
| 1440103 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Tobacco flea beetles, are major pests of tobacco. The are brownish black beetles about 1/16-inch long. Feeding by adults gives leaves a characteristic shot-hole appearance. They attack plants in the seedbeds almost as soon as they come up, often ruining entire plant beds. After transplanting, beetles become continue chewing holes into the leaves until the crop is harvested, weakening the plants and decreasing the value of the leaves. Heavy feeding on newly-set plants may cause stunting, resulting in uneven stands. The white, larvae burrow into the soil and feed on the roots of tobacco, cutting off the small roots and sometimes tunneling into the stalk. |
| 1440126 |
grasshoppers |
|
Grasshoppers [various species including differential grasshopper, Melanoplus differntialis (Thomas) and redlegged grasshopper, Melanoplus femurrubrum (DeGeer)] chew irregular holes between veins of leaves. Adult redlegged grasshoppers are 3/4 to 1 inch long. They are greenish-gray to olive-green or reddish-brown with a yellowish underside. The hind tibiaae are red with black spines. The differential grasshopper is 1 1/2 to 2-inches long with a shiny, brownish-yellow color and black V-shaped marks on the outer face of the yellow femur. Immature (nymphs) are similar but lack fully developed wings. Most species prefer other plants but will eat tobacco if their food supply is inadequate. Grasshoppers often migrate into tobacco fields from ditch banks and grasslands, especially when populations are high during droughts and following hay mowing or other habitiat modifications. Tobacco injury usually starts along the edges of fields and is more common late in the growing season. |
| 1402125 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Tobacco budworm and corn earworm [Heliothis virescent (Fabricius), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)]: Both species attack tobacco, but the budworm is predominant. Larvae of both species are closely related, similar in appearance, and cannot be distinguished with the naked eye. When fully developed, larvae can range from pale greenish-yellow to red-brown to nearly black. Most have pale striped running lengthwise on the body, and small dark spots may be visible on each body segment. All have five pairs of fleshly prolegs in addition to three pairs of jointed legs near the head. The primary distinguishing feature of these pests is their habit of feeding in the bud. As this damage expands with the leaf, large regular holes are produced. Both species may also top plants, tunnel into stalks or midribs of leaves, or feed on seed pods. After topping, they may produce more irregular holes in expanded leaves. |
| 1440112 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
The tobacco budworm is one of the most destructive pests of the tobacco. Eggs, laid by the adult moth on the tobacco leaves, hatch and eventually develop into 1 1/2-inch long larvae when full grown. The larvae are light to dark green and have several longitudinal pale stripes. They may chew small holes in the leaves before they reach the buds. Larvae then damage the bud or growing tip of the plant. They may appear any time during the growing season. The leaves that expand from the buds are often ragged and distorted. Because of their protected location on the plant, budworms are difficult to control. The corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), also attacks burley and is closely related to the budworm in appearance and feeding habits. |
| 1440106 |
variegated cutworm |
Peridroma saucia |
The variegated cutworm, may be a serious problem during the mid- portion of the growing season. This climbing cutworm usually feeds in the buds and on the leaves of tobacco plants. Larvae vary widely in color. The posterior segment is enlarged and blunt. A row of whitish or yellowish dots is visible down the middle of the back. The full grown larva usually has a mark on the back of the eighth abdominal segment, followed by a conspicuous yellow or orange area. There is usually a narrow orange-brown stripe on the sides. The variegated cutworm passes the winter in the pupal stage. |
| 1402104 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
Adult weevils are grayish-brown snout beetles about 1/4 inch long and usually have a light V-shaped making near the apex of the wing covers. |
| 1440113 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
The tobacco budworm is one of the most destructive pests of the tobacco. Eggs, laid by the adult moth on the tobacco leaves, hatch and eventually develop into 1 1/2-inch long larvae when full grown. The larvae are light to dark green and have several longitudinal pale stripes. They may chew small holes in the leaves before they reach the buds. Larvae then damage the bud or growing tip of the plant. They may appear any time during the growing season. The leaves that expand from the buds are often ragged and distorted. Because of their protected location on the plant, budworms are difficult to control. The corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), also attacks burley and is closely related to the budworm in appearance and feeding habits. |
| 1402110 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
Cutworms [various species including black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel); granulate, Feltia subterranean (Fabricius); and variegated Peridroma saucia (Hubner)]: In plant beds, cutworms may feed on stems at the soil surface, cut off buds, or eat holes in leaves. In recently transplanted fields, plants may be cut off just above ground level and individual leaves or buds may be cut off. A few species eat holes in the leaves. If cutworms are suspected as a cause of damage, dig around damaged plants (cutworms usually hide beneath soil, detached leaves or debris during the day). Cutworms are generally soft-bodied, dirty gray to brown to black, variously marked with dark spots or lines and usually 1-2 inches long. They curl up when disturbed. |
| 1402102 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
Larvae and sometimes adults may feed on buds and leaves in plant beds. Adults may occasionally attack newly transplanted tobacco, feeding on leaves and stems. Feeding holes are ragged and may resemble grasshopper damage, but vegetable weevils nearly always cause some stem damage. |
| 1402130 |
grasshoppers |
|
Grasshoppers [various species including the differential grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas) and southern red-legged grasshopper are ¾ to 1 inch long. They are greenish-gray to olive-green or reddish-brown with a yellowish underside. The hind tibiae are red with black spines. The differential grasshopper is 1½ to 2-inches long with a shiny, brownish-yellow color and black V-shaped marks on the outer face of the yellow femur. Immatures (nymphs) are similar but lack fully developed wings. Grasshoppers damage tobacco by chewing ragged holes in the leaves. Most species prefer other plants but will eat tobacco if their food supply is inadequate. Grasshoppers often migrate into tobacco fields from hay fields, pastures, and old fields, especially when populations are high during droughts and following hay mowing or other habitat modifications. |
| 1402122 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
The lower leaves of larger plants can also be heavily damaged, especially near the base of the leaves. |
| 1440109 |
Japanese beetle |
Popillia japonica |
Japanese beetles, occasionally feed on tobacco in groups, causing a skeletonization of the leaf. The beetles are less than 1/2-inch in length, shiny metallic green, with copper brown forewings. There are six tufts of white hairs on each side of the body near the outer margins of the wing covers. These adults usually emerge from the soil during late May. Their population peaks four to five weeks later. Feeding is the greatest on warm sunny days. A relative humidity below 60% retards flying and induces the insect to feed extensively. The larvae are white grubs that feed in the soil, devouring the roots of a large number of plants, especially turf grasses. |
| 1440097 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
The vegetable weevil, feeds as a larva and an adult, primarily at night. The adult is a dull gray-brown beetle, about 3/8- inch long, with a pale gray mark near the posterior end of each wing cover, forming an inconspicuous V-shaped spot. The pale green legless larvae have brown heads. Larvae may feed on tobacco in plant beds during early spring. Larvae may damage or destroy the bud and eat holes into the leaves. Larvae appear in spots and may damage a good size area. Because they feed mostly at night, it is difficult to locate them. However, the feeding damage is usually easy to see and should be used to determine the presence of this insect. |
| 1440119 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
The tobacco tomato hornworms, Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), and Manduca quinquemaculata (Haworth), are potentially the most destructive insect pests of tobacco. They chew irregular holes in leaves and often feed along leaf margins. Newly hatched larvae are 1/4-inch long, pale green with a large horn at the posterior end. Larger larvae (up to 4 inches) are bright green in color. The tobacco hornworm larva has seven white diagonal stripes on each side and a curved red horn. The adult, a dark gray moth, has six round, orange-yellow spots on each side of the abdomen. Tomato hornworms have eight V-shaped marks on each side and the horn is straighter and blue-black. |
| 1440117 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
The tobacco tomato hornworms, Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), and Manduca quinquemaculata (Haworth), are potentially the most destructive insect pests of tobacco. They chew irregular holes in leaves and often feed along leaf margins. Newly hatched larvae are 1/4-inch long, pale green with a large horn at the posterior end. Larger larvae (up to 4 inches) are bright green in color. The tobacco hornworm larva has seven white diagonal stripes on each side and a curved red horn. The adult, a dark gray moth, has six round, orange-yellow spots on each side of the abdomen. Tomato hornworms have eight V-shaped marks on each side and the horn is straighter and blue-black. |
| 1440125 |
grasshoppers |
|
Grasshoppers [various species including differential grasshopper, Melanoplus differntialis (Thomas) and redlegged grasshopper, Melanoplus femurrubrum (DeGeer)] chew irregular holes between veins of leaves. Adult redlegged grasshoppers are 3/4 to 1 inch long. They are greenish-gray to olive-green or reddish-brown with a yellowish underside. The hind tibiaae are red with black spines. The differential grasshopper is 1 1/2 to 2-inches long with a shiny, brownish-yellow color and black V-shaped marks on the outer face of the yellow femur. Immature (nymphs) are similar but lack fully developed wings. Most species prefer other plants but will eat tobacco if their food supply is inadequate. Grasshoppers often migrate into tobacco fields from ditch banks and grasslands, especially when populations are high during droughts and following hay mowing or other habitiat modifications. Tobacco injury usually starts along the edges of fields and is more common late in the growing season. |
| 1440118 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
The tobacco tomato hornworms, Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), and Manduca quinquemaculata (Haworth), are potentially the most destructive insect pests of tobacco. They chew irregular holes in leaves and often feed along leaf margins. Newly hatched larvae are 1/4-inch long, pale green with a large horn at the posterior end. Larger larvae (up to 4 inches) are bright green in color. The tobacco hornworm larva has seven white diagonal stripes on each side and a curved red horn. The adult, a dark gray moth, has six round, orange-yellow spots on each side of the abdomen. Tomato hornworms have eight V-shaped marks on each side and the horn is straighter and blue-black. |
| 1402127 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Tobacco and tomato hornworms [Manduca sexta (Linnaeus), Manduca quinquemaculata (Hawthorn)]: These two species, usually referred to collectively as "hornworms," are potentially the most destructive insect pests of tobacco. Newly hatched larvae are ¼ inch long, pale green with a large horn at the posterior end. Larger larvae (up to 3 or 4 inches) are bright green in color. Tobacco hornworm larvae have seven white diagonal stripes on each side and a curved red horn. Tomato hornworms have eight white V-shaped marks on each side and the horn is straighter and blue-black. Small larvae chew small irregular holes in leaves. Larger larvae more often feed on leaf margins and may leave only the midribs of leaves. |
| 1440120 |
tobacco thrips |
Frankliniella fusca |
Tobacco thrips may cause damage to tobacco, especially during dry years. These slender yellow-to-brown insects are about 1/25 inch long. Adults have four very narrow, featherlike wings. Adults and nymphs suck sap from the leaves producing gray to silver feeding marks primarily along the veins of the lower leaves. The leave also become peppered with minute black spots. The underside of midribs may be damaged. Heavy infestations cause the foliage to turn yellow. |
| 1440105 |
variegated cutworm |
Peridroma saucia |
The variegated cutworm, may be a serious problem during the mid- portion of the growing season. This climbing cutworm usually feeds in the buds and on the leaves of tobacco plants. Larvae vary widely in color. The posterior segment is enlarged and blunt. A row of whitish or yellowish dots is visible down the middle of the back. The full grown larva usually has a mark on the back of the eighth abdominal segment, followed by a conspicuous yellow or orange area. There is usually a narrow orange-brown stripe on the sides. The variegated cutworm passes the winter in the pupal stage. |
| 1402111 |
tobacco thrips |
Frankliniella fusca |
Thrips feeding usually follows minor veins and the overall appearance is similar to some diseases like etch. Heavy feeding will sometimes give the surface of the leaf a shiny or silvery appearance. The underside of midribs may also be injured. Damage is most common on lower leaves of knee-high plants, but thrips may attack newly set plants. Adult thrips are tiny (1/25 inch), elongate insects, dark brown with featherlike wings. Immature are smaller and yellow or yellow-orange. To see thrips, slap a damaged leaf against a light-colored surface and observe insect movement on that surface. Thrips may be most significant as a vector of tomato spotted wilt virus. |
| 1440121 |
tobacco thrips |
Frankliniella fusca |
Tobacco thrips may cause damage to tobacco, especially during dry years. These slender yellow-to-brown insects are about 1/25 inch long. Adults have four very narrow, featherlike wings. Adults and nymphs suck sap from the leaves producing gray to silver feeding marks primarily along the veins of the lower leaves. The leaves also become peppered with minute black spots. The underside of midribs may be damaged. Heavy infestations cause the foliage to turn yellow, as seen here. |
| 1402129 |
grasshoppers |
|
Grasshoppers [various species including the differential grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas) and southern red-legged grasshopper are ¾ to 1 inch long. They are greenish-gray to olive-green or reddish-brown with a yellowish underside. The hind tibiae are red with black spines. The differential grasshopper is 1½ to 2-inches long with a shiny, brownish-yellow color and black V-shaped marks on the outer face of the yellow femur. Immatures (nymphs) are similar but lack fully developed wings. Grasshoppers damage tobacco by chewing ragged holes in the leaves. Most species prefer other plants but will eat tobacco if their food supply is inadequate. Grasshoppers often migrate into tobacco fields from hay fields, pastures, and old fields, especially when populations are high during droughts and following hay mowing or other habitat modifications. |
