The Life Cycle of the Tomato Hornworm YouTubeThe journey
of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly develops into a caterpillar that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it
molts numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, allowing its body to grow.
After a series of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the chrysalis stage by fastening itself to a secure surface.
Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely distinct creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a complete restructuring of its body. After a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful wings.
The grown-up hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm deposits her ova on a suitable food source for the offspring. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm repeats again, continuing 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 egg, the hornworm slowly develops into a caterpillar that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, allowing its body to grow.
In the aftermath of a sequence of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the pupal stage by attaching itself to a secure area.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely distinct creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total restructuring of
its body. Following a duration of time, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with vibrant winged appendages.
The grown-up hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to continue the process. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm lays her
eggs on a suitable host plant for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm starts over
again, continuing the cycle of life for this fascinating creature.
- 04/13/01:39
- How to Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms The Spruce
