Dealing with Tomato Hornworms Before They Destroy Your Tomato
The journey of a hornworm goes through several stages throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny egg, the
hornworm slowly develops into a larva that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, allowing its body to grow.
After a series of molts, the hornworm attains its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the pupal stage by attaching itself to a safe surface.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm transforms into an entirely distinct creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a complete reorganization of its physical form. After a period of time, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with vibrant wings.
The adult hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to proceed the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm lays her eggs on a suitable food source for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm starts over again, persisting the circle of existence for this amazing creature.
The existence of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows into a caterpillar that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, enabling its physique to grow.
After a sequence of molts, the hornworm reaches its full
size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the pupal stage by attaching itself to a safe area.
Within the pupa, the hornworm transforms into an entirely different creature. This metamorphosis is nothing brief of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total restructuring of its physical form. Following a period of time, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with vibrant wings.
The grown-up hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to continue the process. After mating, the female hornworm lays her ova on a appropriate food source for the offspring. And
so, the life cycle of a hornworm starts over again, continuing the circle of existence for this fascinating creature.
