Tomato Hornworm

I would love to see the faces of each gardener who discovers the tomato hornworm munching the leaves off of their tomato plants.  First there is the disappointment of seeing the tomato plant defoliated.  Next, is the surprise of seeing this giant creature.  An average tomato hornworm is abouth the size of a thumb.  He looks ferocious but really isn't.

The hornworm caterpillar is named after the magenta colored "horn" which is at the posterior end of this lovely creature.

One tale tell sign of the tomato hornworm are the black colored feces which he deposits.  Often, they will fall on the ground or on nearby leaves.  If you see these little black pellets, start looking for him.  He camouflages himself beautifully on the plant and sometimes looks just like a leaf which has curled in half.