Term: Leaf Miner

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leaf miner tomato pestThis garden pest refers to the larva of different types of insects, such as moths, beetles, and flies, that feed off the inside of leaves and leave patterns of destruction as they mature towards adulthood. They’re sometimes classified by such patterns, such as serpentine, blotch, and teniform (bloating a section of the leaf like a tent). Although ugly, these mines don’t usually cause major health issues for plants. If infestations occur, either pick off and destroy affected leaves or watch for the presence of eggs, which you can crush by hand.

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