They are the larval stages of moths of the family Noctuidae. Several species of economic importance attack fruit. The fruitworms' name is derived from their habit of eating deep holes into the fruits of apple, peach, pear, cherry and plum trees. In the past few years, fruitworms have become a serious problem on apples, cherries and pears in the Missouri and Illinois in 1970.
Several species occur in the north central states.
Eggs are about 0.8 mm in diameter and 0.5 mm in height. Freshly laid eggs are white with a grayish tinge. Distinct ridges radiate from the micropilar area. Six instars occur. The larvae are generally large and robust in various shades of green marked with yellowish or whitish longitudinal stripes.