Photo: TMZ

From TMZ: Ariel Winter's mom was an abusive menace on the set of "Modern Family" ... so much so, producers wanted her BANNED from set -- this according to a source close to the situation. 

TMZ spoke with a source -- who worked on the show for over a year and had constant contact with Ariel -- who says Chrystal Workman (Ariel's mom) was "hated" by the crew, producers, actors and other mothers ... because she made Ariel's life a living Hell. 

Specifically we're told Chrystal would sit on set and watch Ariel like a hawk -- and then berate her for her for her physical appearance, saying her ears were too big and she looked ugly in her clothes. She also blocked Ariel from eating anything but egg whites and raw veggies. 

Read the entire story HERE.