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Common names: Potato Tuberworm
Scientific name: Phthorimaea operculella
Region: This borer can be found in the southern portion of the United States from California to Florida.
Life cycle: This insect can produce up to six generations each year. Pupation occurs as a larva within tubers.
The larva also overwinters in garden rubbish.
Physical description: The worm-like Caterpillar is 1/2 inch long and is a pinkish white with a brown head. The adult moth is grayish brown with darker brown marks. This moth has very narrow wings with a span of about 1/2 inch. The eggs are laid on the underside of leaves or in the eyes of tubers. Eggs can be found singly or in groups.
Feeding characteristics: This pest attacks eggplant and tomato plants by tunneling into the stems and making burrows with a silk lining inside of tubers.
Controls: Infested vines should be clipped off and destroyed.
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