![]() ![]() They build their cocoon and metamorphose into the adult stage. Once they are fully grown, hornworms transform into these impressive-looking moths with vibrant colors, large wings, and long tails.įirstly, they change from an active eating stage to a dormant pupa. Hornworms are the caterpillar form of a large family of moths commonly known as the hawk or sphinx moth. The Tobacco Hornworm has seven pairs of diagonal white markings running across its green body, while its relative, the Tomato-Hornworm, is recognizable by its deep maroon stripes.īoth feed voraciously on the respective foliage. There is not much difference between them, however, except for the fact that they prefer different crops to attack. Several types of hornworms can be found around the world.īut the two most commonly seen varieties are the Tobacco-Hornworm and the Tomato-Hornworm. This is why gardeners will often find them among their vegetables when picking. They feed on plants like tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. Hornworm caterpillars are easily identifiable by their unique “horn” at the end of their abdomens and their bright green color. They are, in fact, so big that some people mistake them for actual hummingbirds, which is where their name comes from. Their wingspan is typically anywhere between two to eight inches.Īdd to that the long proboscis that they use to suck nectar from flowers, make them appear quite large. When the adults come out after the pupation stage, they can also be quite big. They are among the largest caterpillars in the world. Hornworms get quite big! Most commonly, they reach lengths of around 2-3 inches, although some can even get up to 5 inches in length. I will discuss what you can do about it in later sections. If you see an excessive number of these worms in your garden, it may be time to take steps to reduce their population. They feed on tobacco and tomato patches and can destroy an entire crop in no time.Īlthough harmless to humans and pets, hornworms multiply very fast if left unchecked. Their diet consists mainly of plants, so their presence in the garden is unwelcome to many gardeners. ![]() The larvae of hawk moths, these green-bodied invertebrates sport a ‘horn’ on their posterior end. Hornworms are some of the most interesting and visually arresting garden creatures around.
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