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Tobacco budworm
Heliothis virescens

IDENTIFICATION — Tobacco budworm larvae are generally yellow to yellow-green with a brown head, but body color can sometimes be pink, red or maroon, as well.

DAMAGE — Most larvae appear in August or early September and attack petunia, geranium, nicotiana, ageratum, mum, snapdragon, strawflower, rose and other flowers. They tunnel into or eat entire flower buds and petals and sometimes leaf buds, too.

CONTROL — Handpick from plants around dusk when caterpillars are least active. Buy beneficial insects, such as stink bugs, green lacewing larvae and lady beetles from garden centers or mail-order sources, such as Gardens Alive. Release them on calm days in late spring, in early morning or early evening. Mix up pyrethroid insecticides and spray plants until leaves are dripping. These chemicals attack all stages of the insect, as well as the eggs, so you may only need to make a couple of applications.