Resulting pupae are large (3-4 inches) and reddish-brown. The body has v-shaped white markings with rows of white and black spots.Īfter the caterpillars have eaten their fill – often the foliage of your ENTIRE plant – the hornworm will burrow into the soil. Mature caterpillars can grow to between 3-5 inches long and have a long black or brown horn sticking out of their rear. Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll find the tomato hornworm fairly easy to spot. The hornworm is the caterpillar of the five-spotted hawkmoth, but don’t confuse this with other butterfly/moth species you want to help propagate. Tomato hornworms are incredibly destructive and are very common throughout North America and Australia. Identifying the Entire Lifecycle The tomato hornworm develops into a five-spotted hawk moth that lays its eggs on the underside of the foliage. Carefully look along stems, lifting leaves to find the hornworms underneath. As they get larger, hornworms are easier to see, but they will have already done quite a bit of damage. They are very well camouflaged against the leaves and stems and can be quite hard to see while still small.Ī telltale sign that you’re dealing with a hornworm is seeing a branch or portion of a branch with no leaves in the morning. These large caterpillars will eat non stop and can quickly defoliate an entire tomato (or peppers, eggplant, and potatoes) plant. Beyond their distinct look, hornworms are possibly the most destructive tomato pest there is. They’re big, green, and their long horn gives them a sinister aura. Tomato hornworms are truly unforgettable tomato pests. Tomato Hornworms: What Are They? Tomato caterpillars are one of the most well-known tomato pests that eat foliage and fruits.
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