| 5006057 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Illustration by Arthur Cushman |
| 1599337 |
convergent lady beetle |
Hippodamia convergens |
beneficials on peanuts |
| 0027022 |
tobacco thrips |
Frankliniella fusca |
|
| 0027033 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 1599536 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Severe damage to a tobacco plant due to the feeding of the tobacco budworm- Heliothis virescens. |
| 1599567 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Tobacco hormworm egg on tobacco leaf, just before hatching. Manduca sexta. |
| 1599575 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, on tobacco leaf rib; also shows leaf damage cause by this caterpillar. |
| 1599546 |
green peach aphid |
Myzus persicae |
|
| 1599571 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1599531 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Two very early instar tobacco budworm larvae in tobacco bud. |
| 1599568 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Tobacco hornworm on damaged tobacco leaf. |
| 1599569 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Probably a third instar larva tobacco hornworm on tobacco leaf; also showing feeding damage |
| 1599570 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Tobacco hornworm and feeding damaged tobacco leaf. |
| 1599506 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599523 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
second instar larva |
| 1599508 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599525 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Showing 3rd and 4th instar larva |
| 1599534 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599537 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599539 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599540 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599541 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599566 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
Hornworms very seldom significant economic damage to flue cured tobacco in GA. Large populations usually showed up after harvest was complete. |
| 1599507 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599502 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599509 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599510 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599511 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599512 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599513 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599514 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599516 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
early instar |
| 1599517 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Late instar feeding |
| 1599518 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Late instar feeding in bud |
| 1599519 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Late instar feeding in bud |
| 1599526 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599527 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Late instar feeding in tobacco bud |
| 1599528 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599529 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599530 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1599532 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Young plant showing extensive damage. Flue cured tobacco. |
| 1599533 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Flue cured tobacco. |
| 1440133 |
stilt bug |
Jalysus wickhami |
Spined stilt bugs are slender brown bugs about 1/2 inch in length when full grown. They have long thread-like legs and antennae. Nymphs are similar to the adults but are smaller, lighter in color, and wingless. Stilt bugs are commonly seen walking slowly over tobacco plants or flying about the field in search of prey. These important beneficials feed on hornworm and budworm eggs (and to some extent on aphids) and may have a major impact on reducing damage caused by these pests. |
| 5439808 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439812 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439813 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439814 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439815 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439809 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439810 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 5439811 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1435115 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
The pale green larvae damage the tobacco in the plant beds during the early spring. The larvae may damage the plant bud and eat holes in the leaves. |
| 0027011 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
David Jones collecting larvae and eggs |
| 1440101 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Wireworms (various species) are the major soil insects attacking tobacco. The yellow to brown, hard-bodied larvae are slender and cylindrical. The adult is a click beetle. Wireworms hatch in the summer, spend the winter in the soil and are usually most destructive to newly transplanted tobacco. Wireworm larvae cut off small underground stems and roots and bore into larger stems and roots. They may be found tunneling in stems near the soil surface . Affected plants may become stunted or wilt and die within a few days. Tobacco following sod may be damaged by wireworms for one to five years because some species have long life cycles. |
| 0027013 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
toxicology lab work |
| 0027014 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1233223 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
on root |
| 3413064 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 3413060 |
green peach aphid |
Myzus persicae |
|
| 1233198 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1147021 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 0027020 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
|
| 1402121 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Larvae live in the soil and feed on and burrow into the roots of tobacco plants. |
| 1402134 |
spotted lady beetle |
Coleomegilla maculata |
Both adult and larval lady beetles are important predators of aphids. Adults can consume 50 aphids per day, while larvae kill 10 to 25 per day. The adult spotted lady beetle is bright red to pink with black spots on the wing covers and pronotum. |
| 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. |
| 3413061 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1236126 |
syrphid or flower flies |
|
|
| 0027034 |
lady beetle |
|
feeding on aphid |
| 0027026 |
southern mole cricket |
Scapteriscus borellii |
|
| 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. |
| 1402136 |
lady beetle |
|
Larvae are elongate and taper towards the rear. They are about 1/3 inch long, velvety black with orange spots and are covered with black spines. |
| 1234018 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1235051 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
parasitized |
| 3413063 |
black cutworm |
Agrotis ipsilon |
|
| 3413062 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1339007 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
injury in stem easily mistaken for tobacco budworm injury |
| 1339012 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
On mature plant |
| 1440100 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Wireworms (various species) are the major soil insects attacking tobacco. The yellow to brown, hard-bodied larvae are slender and cylindrical. The adult is a click beetle. Wireworms hatch in the summer, spend the winter in the soil and are usually most destructive to newly transplanted tobacco. Wireworm larvae cut off small underground stems and roots and bore into larger stems and roots. They may be found tunneling in stems near the soil surface . Affected plants may become stunted or wilt and die within a few days. Tobacco following sod may be damaged by wireworms for one to five years because some species have long life cycles. |
| 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. |
| 1234215 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1440130 |
syrphid or flower flies |
|
Syrphid larvae [Allograta obliqua (Say) and others] are greenish or brownish maggots that are predators of aphids. The larvae has an indistinct tapering head with mouth hooks on the anterior end. A pair of dorsal tracheal trunks, visible through the thin skin, make this maggot appear to have two longitudinal stripes along its back. Larvae feed on aphids by sucking out their body fluids. Depending on the species, a larva can consume 100-900 aphids during its lifetime. The brown pupal case is tear-dropped shaped with a prominent tube at the posterior end. The adult flies are brightly colored, wasp- like insects with bands across their abdomen. They are often seen hovering over plants. Syrphid flies have one pair of wings, while wasps have two pairs. |
| 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. |
| 1147020 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 1147003 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1147004 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1147001 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1147002 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 0027045 |
brown stink bug |
Euschistus servus |
|
| 0027040 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
and damage |
| 0027003 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 0027004 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
on flower |
| 0027005 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
large larva on back of bud |
| 1440128 |
lady beetle |
|
Lady beetles [various species including convergent Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville and spotted Coleomegills maculata fuscilabris (Musant)] are important predators of soft-bodied insects such as aphids. The adult stages are easily recognized by their convex bodies and distinctive coloration. The hard wing covers are often orange, yellow, or red with a pattern of dark spots. Adult convergent lady beetles are black with orange or red wing covers with 12 black spots (spots are sometimes indistinct). The pronotum has two converging lines and a white margin. The adult spotted lady beetle is bright red to pink with black spots on the wig covers and pronotum. Yellowish lady beetle eggs are laid in groups on plants infested with aphids. The lady beetle larvae is enlongated with a velvety black to blue body 1/3-inch long with orange spots and black spines. Adults can consume 50 aphids per day, while larvae kill 10 to 25 per day. |
| 1440127 |
lady beetle |
|
Lady beetles [various species including convergent Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville and spotted Coleomegills maculata fuscilabris (Musant)] are important predators of soft-bodied insects such as aphids. The adult stages are easily recognized by their convex bodies and distinctive coloration. The hard wing covers are often orange, yellow, or red with a pattern of dark spots. Adult convergent lady beetles are black with orange or red wing covers with 12 black spots (spots are sometimes indistinct). The pronotum has two converging lines and a white margin. The adult spotted lady beetle is bright red to pink with black spots on the wig covers and pronotum. Yellowish lady beetle eggs are laid in groups on plants infested with aphids. The lady beetle larvae is enlongated with a velvety black to blue body 1/3- inch long with orange spots and black spines. Adults can consume 50 aphids per day, while larvae kill 10 to 25 per day. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 0027085 |
grasshoppers |
|
|
| 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. |
| 1339006 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Injury on young plants that mimic tobacco cutworm injury |
| 0027086 |
grasshoppers |
|
|
| 1236104 |
whiteflies |
|
|
| 1236127 |
snowy tree cricket |
Oecanthus fultoni |
|
| 1234112 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 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. |
| 1402131 |
paper wasps |
Polistes spp. |
Several species of paper wasps search out and kill small hornworms and other tobacco pests. The wasps roll parts of the worms into balls, fly them to their nest, and feed them to their young. Research in the early 1960’s showed the provision of nesting sites near tobacco fields reduced numbers of hornworms and leaf loss. Most people recognize these beneficials as the familiar "stinging" wasps which build paper nests or combs under the eaves of buildings and in dense vegetation. |
| 1402133 |
stilt bug |
Jalysus wickhami |
Stilt bugs are slender, brown bugs slightly over ½ inch in length when full grown. They have long, thread-like legs and antennae. Nymphs are similar to the adults but are smaller, lighter in color, and wingless. Stilt bugs are commonly seen walking slowly over tobacco plants or flying about the field in search of prey. These important beneficials feed on hornworm and budworm eggs (and to some extent on aphids) and may have a major impact on reducing damage caused by these pests. |
| 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. |
| 1147027 |
southern green stink bug |
Nezara viridula |
|
| 0027021 |
tobacco thrips |
Frankliniella fusca |
|
| 1147026 |
southern green stink bug |
Nezara viridula |
|
| 0027025 |
southern mole cricket |
Scapteriscus borellii |
|
| 1440131 |
Ichneumonid wasp |
Campoletis sonorensis |
The adult wasp is black, slender and about 1/4- inch long but is rarely recognized in the field. The female lays an egg beneath the skin of a small budworm. The egg hatches and larva develops inside the budworm. When development is complete, the parasitic larvae emerges and pupates outside attached to a tobacco leaf. The silken cocoon is white, oblong, and about 1/4 inch long and is frequently attached to the skin of the host budworm. This parasite may kill 70% to 80% of the budworms in a field. |
| 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. |
| 1440114 |
green peach aphid |
Myzus persicae |
The green peach aphid is a pale green, soft- bodied insect that is found in clusters on the underside of tobacco leaves. The 1/16-inch long "plant lice" use their sucking mouthparts to remove sap from the plants. Feeding by large numbers of aphids results in thin, lightweight leaves that may ripen prematurely. The sugar rich "honeydew" excreted by aphids builds up on the leaf surface and supports growth of black, sooty mold. The honeydew may cause leaves to stick together and cure to a dark, off-color of poor quality. Green peach aphids may transmit viruses such as tobacco vein mottling virus through their mouthparts. Aphid populations build up after winged females fly into tobacco fields, usually during the middle portion of the growing season. They settle on the leaf to feed and give birth to living young. Large populations can build up in a short period of time due to their short life cycle and the occurrence of several generations during a growing season. |
| 1440116 |
green peach aphid |
Myzus persicae |
The green peach aphid is a pale green, soft- bodied insect that is found in clusters on the underside of tobacco leaves. The 1/16-inch long "plant lice" use their sucking mouthparts to remove sap from the plants. Feeding by large numbers of aphids results in thin, lightweight leaves that may ripen prematurely. The sugar rich "honeydew" excreted by aphids builds up on the leaf surface and supports growth of black, sooty mold. The honeydew may cause leaves to stick together and cure to a dark, off-color of poor quality. Green peach aphids may transmit viruses such as tobacco vein mottling virus through their mouthparts. Aphid populations build up after winged females fly into tobacco fields, usually during the middle portion of the growing season. They settle on the leaf to feed and give birth to living young. Large populations can build up in a short period of time due to their short life cycle and the occurrence of several generations during a growing season. |
| 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. |
| 0027075 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 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. |
| 3413059 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 0027041 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 0027037 |
multicolored Asian lady beetle |
Harmonia axyridis |
|
| 3413066 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
and feeding damage |
| 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. |
| 3413088 |
green peach aphid |
Myzus persicae |
|
| 1440096 |
green June beetle |
Cotinis nitida |
The green June beetle larva, (Cotinis nitada (Linnaeus), can be a serious pest of tobacco plant beds. Eggs are laid during the summer. Larvae hatch and grow to be about two inches in length. They have brown head and creamy white C-shaped bodies. June beetles overwinter in the larval stage, complete their development the following spring, and are nearly full grown when beds are started. Larvae live several inches below the soil surface and cause some damage by feeding on young tender roots of plants. They cause the most serious damage by their continual burrowing and tunneling through the soil, loosening the soil and uprooting plants. |
| 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. |
| 1147012 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
with lady beetle predator |
| 1440132 |
Tachinid flies |
|
Tachinid flies including Zygostrumia and Winthemia species, belong to a large family of parasitic flies. These flies are hairy and resemble house flies, but some species are slightly larger. The tip of the abdomen may be red. Most lay large eggs on the body of budworms and hornworms. Caterpillars may be found with several tachinid larvae on them. Upon hatching, the tachinid larva usually burrows into the host and feeds internally. The parasitized insect usually dies while in the soil during the pupal stage, before it can transform into an adult and initiate a new generation. |
| 1339008 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
On young seedling |
| 0027072 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 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. |
| 1236105 |
aphids |
|
|
| 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. |
| 0027073 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1402116 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
Several species of aphids or plant lice feed on tobacco, but only the tobacco aphid commonly builds up large colonies. Winged aphids fly to plants in the bed or field and being producing wingless young (nymphs). Wingless, aphids are softbodied, pink to red, pale green to yellow-green, pear-shaped, and only about 1/16 inch long when full grown. Most aphids are wingless even as adults, but darker, winged forms may also be produced. Aphids have beak-like mouthparts through which they suck plant juices. In addition, they produce a sticky waste product, honeydew, on which sooty mold develop. As a result of these factors, both yield and quality may be reduced. (This and other species of aphids may also transmit certain virus diseases.) Infestations are characterized by the presence of aphids (mostly on the underside of upper leaves), shiny or greasy honeydew deposits on the upper surface of leaves, and sooty mold. In recent years, the red (pink) form of the tobacco aphid has become much more prevalent than the green form. |
| 1236128 |
snowy tree cricket |
Oecanthus fultoni |
|
| 0027006 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
and damage |
| 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. |
| 1234094 |
aphids |
|
|
| 1389052 |
leaf beetle |
|
|
| 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. |
| 1233199 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1402122 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
The lower leaves of larger plants can also be heavily damaged, especially near the base of the leaves. |
| 0027038 |
sevenspotted lady beetle |
Coccinella septempunctata |
|
| 1402010 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Wireworm damage may first appear as stunted or irregular plant growth. Holes and tunneling in plant stems just below the soil line and scars on root surfaces often indicate wireworm or other insect feeding. |
| 0027044 |
brown stink bug |
Euschistus servus |
|
| 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. |
| 1440129 |
lady beetle |
|
Lady beetles [various species including convergent Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville and spotted Coleomegills maculata fuscilabris (Musant)] are important predators of soft-bodied insects such as aphids. The adult stages are easily recognized by their convex bodies and distinctive coloration. The hard wing covers are often orange, yellow, or red with a pattern of dark spots. Adult convergent lady beetles are black with orange or red wing covers with 12 black spots (spots are sometimes indistinct). The pronotum has two converging lines and a white margin. The adult spotted lady beetle is bright red to pink with black spots on the wig covers and pronotum. Yellowish lady beetle eggs are laid in groups on plants infested with aphids. The lady beetle larvae is enlongated with a velvety black to blue body 1/3- inch long with orange spots and black spines. Adults can consume 50 aphids per day, while larvae kill 10 to 25 per day. |
| 1402139 |
red-tailed wasp |
Cardiochiles nigriceps |
These small wasps are parasites of budworms. They are about 3/8 inch long. Although the wings and front portion of these wasps are black and only the abdomen and hind legs are red, they appear red in color. Red-tail wasps are often seen hovering over tobacco buds or flowers in search of small budworm larvae. Once a female finds a larva, she inserts an egg into its body. The parasitized budworm will look normal and continue to develop to the 4th or 5th stage before it prematurely pupates and dies. |
| 0027042 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 0027043 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
and damage |
| 0027002 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
and medium size larva |
| 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. |
| 0027078 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 1233219 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1389055 |
green stink bug |
Acrosternum hilare |
Mating |
| 1389031 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1402141 |
Ichneumonid wasp |
Campoletis sonorensis |
The adult wasp is black, slender and about ¼ inch long but is rarely recognized in the field. The female lays an egg beneath the skin of a small budworm. The egg hatches and the larva develops inside the budworm. When development is complete, the parasitic larva emerges and pupates outside attached to a tobacco leaf. The cocoon is white, oblong, about ¼ inch long and is frequently attached to the skin of the host budworm. |
| 1389011 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Feeding on stalk |
| 1389053 |
brown stink bug |
Euschistus servus |
|
| 1389028 |
granulate cutworm |
Agrotis subterranea |
Feeding |
| 1389056 |
stink bugs |
|
|
| 1402140 |
red-tailed wasp |
Cardiochiles nigriceps |
These small wasps are parasites of budworms. They are about 3/8 inch long. Although the wings and front portion of these wasps are black and only the abdomen and hind legs are red, they appear red in color. Red-tail wasps are often seen hovering over tobacco buds or flowers in search of small budworm larvae. Once a female finds a larva, she inserts an egg into its body. The parasitized budworm will look normal and continue to develop to the 4th or 5th stage before it prematurely pupates and dies. |
| 1389030 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
With larva |
| 1389032 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Feeding |
| 1389045 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1402118 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
Aphids have beak-like mouthparts through which they suck plant juices. In addition, they produce a sticky waste product, honeydew, on which sooty mold develop. |
| 1389041 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389007 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1389009 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1389008 |
grasshoppers |
|
|
| 1389024 |
mole crickets |
|
Feeding |
| 1389021 |
stink bugs |
|
|
| 1389010 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
|
| 1339005 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Injury on young plants that mimic tobacco cutworm injury |
| 1233218 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
|
| 0027007 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1402107 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Wireworms are thin, yellow-brown, hard-bodies larvae of click beetles that reach ½ - ¾ inch in length. They hatch from eggs laid in the summer, feed on roots of tobacco and other plants, and spend the winter in the soil. The first sign of a wireworm problem may be an uneven stand caused by damage to stems of newly set plants. Plants should be dug up and checked for feeding scars and tunneling in the stem. Sod webworms cause similar damage but generally leave silken webbing on and within the damaged stems. |
| 1402106 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Wireworms are thin, yellow-brown, hard-bodies larvae of click beetles that reach ½ - ¾ inch in length. They hatch from eggs laid in the summer, feed on roots of tobacco and other plants, and spend the winter in the soil. The first sign of a wireworm problem may be an uneven stand caused by damage to stems of newly set plants. Plants should be dug up and checked for feeding scars and tunneling in the stem. Sod webworms cause similar damage but generally leave silken webbing on and within the damaged stems. |
| 1147023 |
lady beetle |
|
|
| 1147008 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
with lady beetle predator |
| 1339003 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Within larval mine |
| 1339004 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1233217 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
|
| 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. |
| 0027031 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 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. |
| 1233216 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
|
| 0027027 |
southern mole cricket |
Scapteriscus borellii |
|
| 0027019 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
|
| 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. |
| 0027032 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
winged |
| 0027029 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
early season damage |
| 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. |
| 1147005 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 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. |
| 1339002 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
With larva |
| 1440124 |
stalk borer |
Papaipema nebris |
The stalk borer is recognized by prominent longitudinal white stripes at the head and posterior ends of the body. The stripes are interrupted by a distinct dark purple "saddle" approximately 1/3 of the distance back from the head. Full- grown larvae are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Stalk borers may be found feeding on foliage or boring into the stalk of tobacco plants, usually during late June to early July. Infestations are more likely to occur along weedy field margins. |
| 0027028 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1440123 |
stink bugs |
|
Stink bugs [several species including green, Acrosternum hilare (Say); southern green, Nezara viridula (Linnaeus), and brown, Euschistus servus (Say)] are green or gray-brown, shield shaped bugs slightly over 1/2 inch long when full grown. Young (nymphs) are similar to adults but are smaller and lack wings. Their beak-like mouthparts are used to remove plant sap. A salivary secretion, which is injected as the insect feeds, produces a rapid wilting of the leaf or stem. The leaf usually resumes its normal shape and is not permanently damaged. Scalded areas may develop on injured leaves during hot weather. Growers are likely to encounter injury symptoms and not see the insects. Damage is usually limited to scattered plants, often in border rows. Some stink bugs are beneficial insects. They resemble plant-feeding stink bugs but can be identified by the presence of a distinct spine on each "shoulder". |
| 1440122 |
stink bugs |
|
Stink bugs [several species including green, Acrosternum hilare (Say); southern green, Nezara viridula (Linnaeus), and brown, Euschistus servus (Say)] are green or gray-brown, shield shaped bugs slightly over 1/2 inch long when full grown. Young (nymphs) are similar to adults but are smaller and lack wings. Their beak-like mouthparts are used to remove plant sap. A salivary secretion, which is injected as the insect feeds, produces a rapid wilting of the leaf or stem. The leaf usually resumes its normal shape and is not permanently damaged. Scalded areas may develop on injured leaves during hot weather. Growers are likely to encounter injury symptoms and not see the insects. Damage is usually limited to scattered plants, often in border rows. Some stink bugs are beneficial insects. They resemble plant-feeding stink bugs but can be identified by the presence of a distinct spine on each "shoulder". |
| 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. |
| 0027030 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 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. |
| 1234017 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1339014 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
With larva on mature plant |
| 1402138 |
green lacewings |
Chrysopa spp. |
Both the adult and immature forms of these beneficials are predators on aphids. The immatures are often known as aphid-lions. Lacewing eggs are unusual in that they are attached to surfaces by long, threadlike, upright stalks. Larvae are shaped somewhat like those of lady beetles but are light colored and have a pair of long sickle-shaped mouthparts protruding forward. Adults are light green, about 5/8 inch long and have 4 large lacy wings, thin bodies and long antennae. |
| 1147007 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 1147006 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1402113 |
stink bugs |
|
Young (nymphs) are similar to adults but are smaller and lack wings. Eggs are barrel-shaped and laid in clusters on the underside of leaves. Both adults and nymphs suck plant juices through beak-like mouthparts. They will attack all plant parts but prefer young, tender growth. This may cause one or more leaves to wilt and flop over, similar to sunscald. |
| 2511062 |
flower thrips |
Frankliniella spp. |
Thrips-vectored tomato spotted wilt symptoms in tobacco |
| 1339013 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
On mature plant |
| 1402135 |
convergent lady beetle |
Hippodamia convergens |
Both adult and larval lady beetles are important predators of aphids. Adults can consume 50 aphids per day, while larvae kill 10 to 25 per day. Adult convergent lady beetles are black with orange or red wing covers with 12 black spots (spots are sometimes indistinct). The pronotum has two converging lines and a white margin. |
| 1402112 |
stink bugs |
|
Stink bugs are green or brown, shield-shaped bugs slightly over ½ inch long when full grown. |
| 1339018 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Old severe injury |
| 0027039 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 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. |
| 1339017 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
On lower stalk leavesd |
| 1402137 |
syrphid or flower flies |
|
Syrphid larvae [Allograpta oblique (Say) and others]: Syrphid larvae are greenish or brownish maggots that are predators of aphids. The larva has an indistinct tapering head with mouth hooks on the anterior end. A pair of dorsal tracheal trunks, visible through the thin skin, make this maggot appear to have two longitudinal stripes along its back. Larvae feed on aphids by sucking out their body fluids. Depending on the species, a larva can consume 100-900 aphids during its lifetime. The brown pupal case is tear-drop shaped with a prominent tube at the posterior end. The adult flies are brightly colored, wasp-like insects with bands across their abdomen. They are often seen hovering over plants. Syrphid flies have one pair of wings, while wasps have two pairs. |
| 1339015 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Old injuries with frass obvious |
| 1389025 |
click beetle |
|
|
| 1389027 |
granulate cutworm |
Agrotis subterranea |
|
| 1147015 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
with lady beetle predators |
| 1389042 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389043 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389044 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389051 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389026 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
With larva |
| 1389023 |
mole crickets |
|
|
| 1389002 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Early season damage |
| 1389004 |
click beetle |
|
|
| 1389048 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Early season damage |
| 0027008 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 1389003 |
click beetle |
|
|
| 0027012 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 0027016 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
|
| 1389054 |
brown stink bug |
Euschistus servus |
|
| 1389049 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389029 |
southern armyworm |
Spodoptera eridania |
|
| 1147028 |
southern green stink bug |
Nezara viridula |
|
| 1339019 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Sprayer setup and nozzle arrangement for optimum coverage |
| 1339009 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
In bud |
| 1339016 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
On mature plant |
| 5422148 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
larvae feeding in flower bud of Nicotiana |
| 1549319 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
|
| 5393623 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Larva chewing nicotiana blossom |
| 5367963 |
paper wasps |
Polistes spp. |
Adult on tobacco plant, feeding on tobacco hornworm larva |
| 1440134 |
Braconid wasp |
Cotesia congregata |
The braconid wasp is an important parasite of the tobacco hornworm. The larval stage is a small, white legless grub that develops inside the hornworm. Parasitized hornworms are easily recognized after the wasp larvae spin their white football-shaped cocoons. When the parasite becomes an adult, it leaves through an opening in the end of the cocoon and searches for other hornworms. By late summer 90% or more of the hornworm found on tobacco may be parasitized. Hornworms with cocoons may live for several days but do not feed. Insecticides should not be applied if parasitized hornworms are abundant in the field. |
| 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. |
| 5379935 |
mud-dauber |
Tachytes spp. |
in North Carolina Department of Agriculture tobacco field |
| 5379931 |
leaf-footed bug |
Leptoglossus oppositus |
in North Carolina Department of Agriculture tobacco field |
| 5379945 |
Chinese mantid |
Tenodera aridifolia sinensis |
in North Carolina Department of Agriculture tobacco field |
| 5379947 |
bollworm |
Helicoverpa zea |
in North Carolina Department of Agriculture tobacco field |
| 5379957 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
in North Carolina Department of Agriculture tobacco field |
| 5379939 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Last instar larva mining on a tobacco leaf at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. |
| 5379937 |
long-legged fly |
|
In North Carolina Department of Agriculture tobacco field. |
| 5379916 |
stilt bugs |
Jalysus spp. |
mating |
| 5379966 |
paper wasp |
Polistes fuscatus |
|
| 5367926 |
bigeyed bugs |
Geocoris punctipes |
adult feeding on an unidentified Homopteran |
| 5367927 |
bigeyed bugs |
Geocoris punctipes |
adult feeding on an unidentified Homopteran |
| 5367933 |
sevenspotted lady beetle |
Coccinella septempunctata |
|
| 5367980 |
spined assassin bug |
Sinea diadema |
|
| 5367920 |
false chinch bug |
Nysius raphanus |
|
| 1497049 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Bud worm damage on tobacco |
| 5190079 |
cotton leafworm, tobacco cutworm |
Spodoptera litura |
Collection information: June, 1982; Taiwan: Nantou Co. |
| 5205021 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Collection information: Oklahoma: Latimer Co.; 1-Dec-91 |
| 5205022 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Collection information: Oklahoma: Latimer Co.; 1-Dec-91 |
| 1339024 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Spray nozzle arrangement |
| 5190006 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Collection information: June 09, 1964; Colorado: Walsenburg |
| 5190007 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
Collection information: June 09, 1964; Colorado: Walsenburg |
| 5203028 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Taken on 5/3/2007 at Bowen Farm; an adult and the associated damage |
| 5203030 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Taken on 5/3/2007 at Bowen Farm; an adult and the associated damage |
| 5203031 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Taken on 5/3/2007 at Bowen Farm; an adult and the associated damage |
| 1389014 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
pesticide application; tobacco budworm control |
| 1389015 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
3 nozzle arrangement for budworm pesticide application; nipples (straight pipes between) puts outside nozzles 7 ionches away from center rather than 11 in traditional setups; specific to in the bud applications |
| 1389018 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
budworm pesticide application |
| 1389033 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
3 nozzle arrangement for budworm pesticide application; nipples (straight pipes between) puts outside nozzles 7 ionches away from center rather than 11 in traditional setups; specific to in the bud applications |
| 1389034 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
budworm pesticide application; flags indicate Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) infected plants |
| 1389035 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
3 nozzle arrangement for budworm pesticide application; nipples (straight pipes between) puts outside nozzles 7 ionches away from center rather than 11 in traditional setups; specific to in the bud applications |
| 5027031 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 5027032 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
|
| 5027033 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
with frass |
| 1389046 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389047 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1389022 |
mole crickets |
|
|
| 1389005 |
tobacco thrips |
Frankliniella fusca |
|
| 1339020 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Spray application data |
| 1339021 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
|
| 1339022 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Counting splitworms on sample leaves |
| 1339023 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Data from application study |
| 1339010 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Field control data, 1998 |
| 1339011 |
tobacco splitworm |
Phthorimaea operculella |
Field control data, 1998 |
| 1435172 |
Braconid wasps |
|
|
| 1435112 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
The adult wireworm is known as the click beetle. The larvae cause damage by boring and tunneling through the heart of the small plants soon after they are transplanted to the fields. |
| 1435113 |
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. |
| 1435114 |
tobacco hornworm |
Manduca sexta |
They are bright green in color and when fully grown about the size of the finger and 3 to 4 inches long. |
| 1435116 |
vegetable weevil |
Listroderes costirostris obliquus |
The adult beetle may be active during the fall, winter, and spring and then seek a sheltered place to rest during the hot summer months. |
| 1435117 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Larva and damage to leaf. The larvae appear in the field when the plants are small. The tiny larvae burrow through the young leaves which are still folded together in the bud. Then when the leaves unfold and become larger, the insect holes also become larger and the leaves become ragged, distorted, and worthless. |
| 1435118 |
tobacco budworm |
Heliothis virescens |
Larva and damage to bud. |
| 1435119 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
Adult and Damage. This insect may cause damage in the bed and in newly set plants in the field. The plant bed is an important breeding place for this beetle and is also a source of field infestation. |
| 1435120 |
tobacco flea beetle |
Epitrix hirtipennis |
|
| 1435121 |
cabbage looper |
Trichoplusia ni |
|
| 1435122 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
Aphids or lice as they are commonly called feed on tobacco by sucking the sap from the leaves. They are generally found on the lower surface of the leaves where they multiply extremely fast under favorable conditions. Mostly they have their young alive but at times may lay eggs. |
| 1435123 |
snowy tree cricket |
Oecanthus fultoni |
Adults appear in late summer when they may feed on tobacco. |
| 1435003 |
cigarette beetle |
Lasioderma serricorne |
adult (center), pupa (left), larva (right) on damaged cigar. |
| 1435006 |
tobacco moth |
Ephestia elutella |
|
| 1147025 |
southern green stink bug |
Nezara viridula |
|
| 0027067 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
parasitic wasps emerging from larva |
| 0027068 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
parasitic wasps emerging from larva |
| 0027069 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
parasitic wasps emerging from larva |
| 0027070 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
parasitic wasps emerging from larva |
| 0027071 |
cutworms, loopers, owlet moths, and underwings |
|
parasitic wasps emerging from larva |
| 1440115 |
green peach aphid |
Myzus persicae |
The green peach aphid is a pale green, soft- bodied insect that is found in clusters on the underside of tobacco leaves. The 1/16-inch long "plant lice" use their sucking mouthparts to remove sap from the plants.
Feeding by large numbers of aphids results in thin, lightweight leaves that may ripen prematurely. The sugar rich "honeydew" excreted by aphids builds up on the leaf surface and supports growth of black, sooty mold. The honeydew may cause leaves to stick together and cure to a dark, off-color of poor quality. Green peach aphids may transmit viruses such as tobacco vein mottling virus through their mouthparts.
Aphid populations build up after winged females fly into tobacco fields, usually during the middle portion of the growing season. They settle on the leaf to feed and give birth to living young. Large populations can build up in a short period of time due to their short life cycle and the occurrence of several generations during a growing season. |
| 1440135 |
Braconid wasp |
Cotesia congregata |
The braconid wasp an important parasite of the tobacco hornworm. The larval stage is a small, white legless grub that develops inside the hornworm. Parasitized hornworms are easily recognized after the wasp larvae spin their white football- shaped cocoons. When the parasite becomes an adult, it leaves through an opening in the end of the cocoon and searches for other hornworms. By late summer 90% or more of the hornworm found on tobacco may be parasitized. Hornworms with cocoons may live for several days but do not feed. Insecticides should not be applied if parasitized hornworms are abundant in the field. |
| 1440136 |
paper wasps |
Polistes spp. |
Paper wasps (Polistes spp. and others) may be seen searching leaves for food. These wasps attack soft bodied insects, such as hornworms, and use them up to feed larval wasps being raised in their nests. These beneficial insects play a role in the natural control of several tobacco pests. Most people recognize these beneficials as the familiar "stinging" wasps which build paper nests or combs under the eaves of buildings and in dense vegetation. |
| 1402142 |
Braconid wasp |
Cotesia congregata |
This important parasitic wasp is a major factor in limiting hornworm numbers and damage, particularly late in the season. The tiny black wasp lays eggs in hornworms. Parasitized hornworms may be recognized by their shortened stubby horns. When these worms are broken open, the tiny, white parasitic larvae can be seen. When they complete their development, the parasites spin white, egg-shaped cocoons on the hornworm’s back. Parasitized hornworms damage tobacco much less and usually remain on the plant for a shorter time than normal hornworms. |
| 1402143 |
Tachinid flies |
|
Tachinid flies (several species including Winthemia spp. and Archytas marmoratus (Townsend): These flies are hairy and resemble house flies, but some species are slightly larger. The tip of the abdomen may be red. Most lay large eggs on the body of budworms and hornworms. Winthemia manducae Sabrosky & DeLoach is often seen near last stage hornworm larvae. Eggs of this species hatch, and the maggots bore into the hornworm. The hornworm is killed while in the soil during the pupal stage, before it can transform into an adult and initiate a new generation. |
| 1402117 |
tobacco aphid |
Myzus nicotianae |
Tobacco aphid [Myzus nicotianae (Blackman)]: Several species of aphids or plant lice feed on tobacco, but only the tobacco aphid commonly builds up large colonies. Winged aphids fly to plants in the bed or field and being producing wingless young (nymphs). Wingless, aphids are softbodied, pink to red, pale green to yellow-green, pear-shaped, and only about 1/16 inch long when full grown. Most aphids are wingless even as adults, but darker, winged forms may also be produced. Aphids have beak-like mouthparts through which they suck plant juices. In addition, they produce a sticky waste product, honeydew, on which sooty mold develop. As a result of these factors, both yield and quality may be reduced. (This and other species of aphids may also transmit certain virus diseases.) Infestations are characterized by the presence of aphids (mostly on the underside of upper leaves), shiny or greasy honeydew deposits on the upper surface of leaves, and sooty mold. In recent years, the red (pink) form of the tobacco aphid has become much more prevalent than the green form. |
| 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. |
| 1402132 |
paper wasps |
Polistes spp. |
Several species of paper wasps search out and kill small hornworms and other tobacco pests. The wasps roll parts of the worms into balls, fly them to their nest, and feed them to their young. Research in the early 1960’s showed the provision of nesting sites near tobacco fields reduced numbers of hornworms and leaf loss. Most people recognize these beneficials as the familiar "stinging" wasps which build paper nests or combs under the eaves of buildings and in dense vegetation. |
| 0027017 |
tobacco wireworm |
Conoderus vespertinus |
|
| 0027024 |
southern mole cricket |
Scapteriscus borellii |
|
