The larval or caterpillar stage of the corn earworm moth. Typically North Carolina's most significant cotton pest, primarily infesting fruit (squares, blooms and bolls). Undergoes 3-4 generations annually in the Carolinas, with the first two developing primarily in field corn and the third on cotton, soybean, peanut and other crops. Also called soybean podworm and tomato fruitworm, depending upon host.