Tobacco Budworm
Heliothis virescens

• Occurs late summer
• Irregular or round holes appear on flower buds
• Small black specks of excrement may be visible on damaged flower buds
• Caterpillar color is variable; they are most commonly brown, but can also be red, purple, or green. Has white stripes running lengthwise along the abdomen with numerous erect hairs. Can reach up to 1 ¾ inches in length.
• More information on Tobacco budworm