Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Caterpillars, maggots, grubs, and similar immature insects - Larger than 3/4 inch long > Tobacco budworm

Tobacco budworm

Heliothis virescens

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Barb Gasterland

Description: Up to 1 3/4 inches long.

Where/When: Commonly found on petunias, geraniums, and nicotiana, while occasionally damaging roses and other plants. Active in Minnesota during late summer.

Significance: The larva damages flowers by chewing deep holes into the buds, causing flowers to have large holes in the petals. Tobacco budworms may also eat the flower blossoms, giving them a ragged appearance.

More information on Tobacco budworm