Incognito Caterpillar Threatens U.S. Borders [Slide Show]
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TOMATO INVADER An Old World bollworm caterpillar emerges from a tomato in the agricultural municipality of Itaberaí, Brazil. The invasive caterpillars were first documented in the Americas in 2013, after Brazilian farmers found them attacking their tomatoes and soybeans... Credit: COURTESY OF CECILIA CZEPAK
CORN CARNAGE A bollworm caterpillar leaves a trail of destruction through a cob of corn. Where bollworms have passed, plants often rot due to secondary infections from fungus and bacteria. Credit: COURTESY OF CECILIA CZEPAK
INSIDE JOB A broken-open soybean pod reveals a bollworm caterpillar feasting inside. Credit: COURTESY OF CECILIA CZEPAK
SKELETONIZED LEAF A hungry bollworm caterpillar reduces a soybean leaf to little more than scaffolding. Credit: COURTESY OF CECILIA CZEPAK
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HIDDEN THREAT A bollworm caterpillar is curled up inside a cotton boll in Palmeiras, Brazil. Credit: COURTESY OF CECILIA CZEPAK
NECTAR FOR A BOLLWORM MOTH A male bollworm moth sips nectar from a soybean flower. Unlike their voracious larvae, adult bollworm moths feed only on nectar.
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