Super ofertas Shopee br br Tomato Moth: Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) br In Brazil, this species occurs throughout the year, especially in the driest period, almost disappearing in rainy periods. Crops irrigated by conventional sprinkler or center pivot irrigation are less damaged than those irrigated by furrow. Sprinkler irrigation knocks out eggs, larvae and pupae, reducing the insect's multiplication potential. br br Each female lays an average of 260 eggs on the underside of leaves and also on the stem, peduncle and fruits. The eggs are elliptical, white in color, turning yellowish or brown when the caterpillars hatch. br br The caterpillar has a dark colored head and yellowish body, measuring about 8 mm in length. When hatching, it penetrates the leaflets of the tomato plant, feeding on the leaf parenchyma and forming a gallery with an irregular contour. Caterpillars also feed on the stem and fruits of the tomato plant. The pupal stage most commonly occurs in the soil, but can also occur on the surface of leaves. The adult is a gray, brown or silver moth, approximately 10 mm long. Females mate immediately after emergence, fly and lay eggs predominantly at dawn and dusk.