Knowledgebase

Small worm inside leaves with small black eggs #871570

Asked June 04, 2024, 4:11 PM EDT

Over the past week, for the first time in my garden I have seen on my mint, basil and black Cohosh plants the following: a leave curled around a small whitish worm/lavrae with a bunch of small black eggs. When this occurs, the leaf is dead. I picked and disposed of about 10 yesterday. Other than inspecting my plants and disposing of these things, what should I do and what are these things? Thanks for your help. I took a photo of the leaf curled and then what is inside.

Washington County Vermont

Expert Response

Hi Joslyn,

The black "eggs" are likely frass/caterpillar poop. Regardless of which genus it is, handpicking and destroying or spraying with spinosad/Entrust before the caterpillars are rolled within leaves will help. 

Your question has been forwarded to our entomology specialist but haven't heard back yet.
Gina, UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer Replied June 07, 2024, 10:10 AM EDT
Hi Joslyn,

Even our expert entomologist was unable to identify the worm/larvae from your photos.  However, the solution remains the same - spinosad.
Gina, UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline Volunteer Replied June 07, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT
Thanks so much! I did a few hours of research myself and was unable to find any similar photos.
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, June 7, 2024 4:00:20 PM
To: Joslyn Wilschek <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Small worm inside leaves with small black eggs (#0141489)
 
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT

Loading ...