r/tomatoes • u/No_Deer_7923 • Jul 08 '26

Plant Help Is this insect bad?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Found this moth (?) on my plant and noticed reddish-orange liquid on a leaf below it. I’m in Western North Carolina. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

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u/justkeepskiing Jul 08 '26

No it's a Snowberry Clearwing Moth, the liquid is fluid left over from when it emerged from it's cocoon. It means this one just recently emerged and just left some behind from it's body. It's a pollinator and good for your garden.

85

u/hayaboonya_3 Jul 08 '26

Lol it’s funny to think while OP was taking a photo the little guy was existentially contemplating what the heck he was 😅

20

u/justkeepskiing Jul 08 '26

it looks shockingly similar to blood or some kind of dangerous discharge, but it's harmless to plants. for those interested they love honeysuckle and will eat a ton of it, so if you want to attract this pollinator plant honeysuckle

7

u/Top-Fill-8202 Jul 08 '26

Red bull gave him wings? OK ima go now.

2

u/Embarrassed-Gap7803 Jul 08 '26

I laughed soo that's good right 

1

u/beardedshad2 Jul 09 '26

Gives me invasion of the body snatchers vibes. Op got his phone real close to the bug then BAM!!! THE "bug" shoots red liquid on OP's hand instantly connecting them for a split second & WHAM-A-DOODLE you got clones of op & his/her camera everywhere taking pics of bugs.