The caterpillar is probably the Ground Cherry Sun Moth ('Heliothis subflexa'). "The caterpillars access their favorite food by boring a tiny hole in the casing. Inside, they feast to their heart's content, then exit via the hole to find their next meal."

I'm not sure of the best method of control. Hopefully someone will come along and help.

Carol in Jax

Hi ES

I grew them in Central Florida in past seasons and did not have a problem, I grew them with the same care like a tomato and about the same time planting. If it is a worm what you have, I would use BT that you probably know is organic and can get in any big box store.

My ground cherries

Silvia

I grow Pineapple Tomatillos here. I get mine from Pinetree Garden seeds, and they identify them as Physalis pruinosa. Mine certainly look like Silvia's.

Anyway, I have no trouble with mine here. Very, very rarely do I see one with a hole chewed in it. On the rare occasions that I do see damage, it's like Carol described.

I think Silvia is right that Bt is your best bet, but it would have to be applied often to be sure it's on the plants when the caterpillars hatch - once they burrow into the fruit they'll be out of reach of it. Good luck!

Wow, Chinese lanterns! I haven't seen them or heard about them since I was a kid - too many years ago. They used to grow wild. Maybe they still do in places.

I have been growing ground cherries in NC for maybe 6-7 years now. Never a problem until last year--and then all of a sudden I had some pests drilling holes in all my ground cherries and ruining them! I am SO BUMMED! This is a S. American pest, though I have yet to see a caterpillar or moth--but no doubt it's 'Heliothis subflexa' as Carol in Jax pointed out. I hope BT works. I can't find ANY info online about how to deal with them, just a few sparse references and photos. I'll be watching for that moth. No clue how big it is but I am guessing it's small.
Don't be complacent. Once they find your crop, they will multiply--especially since ground cherries are so good at self-seeding and providing tons of new territory for the next year's brood of pests. Eradicate at the first opportunity.

These bugs are ruining my ground cherries and messing up my profits! I need more info to learn to eradicate these pests. BT? I only use organic approved pest control and they are grown close to bee hives. Any help? This is an important crop for me as I bake and sell ground cherry coffeecakes.

Susan Franklin, let me know if you are still reading this post. I can provide information and education but won't waste my time unless you respond.

Im having the same problem in north carolina any help would be grately appreciated