Black Insects On Tomato Plants. The tomato fruitworm (helicoverpa zea) is the most damaging tomato insect pest in south carolina.fruitworms occur throughout the western hemisphere extending as far north as canada and as far south as argentina. Stem ends of fruits may be attacked, showing large, sunken black areas with concentric rings.
Beetles skeletonize leaves and chew flowers. Quick identification and elimination of the rapidly reproducing insects keeps the tomatoes at their best. #3 aphids or black bugs feed on weeds, so pull down weeds surrounding your tomato plant.
You can also create a barrier to these bugs on your tomato plants by spraying them with a water and kaolin clay solution.
There are a few different options on how to control them, though some type of pesticide will likely be necessary. Back to list of common tomato insects. It doesn't appear the plants are getting damaged, but i'm concerned. Lower leaves show brown or black spots with dark edges, almost like a target.