Tomato Hornworm
Manduca quinquemaculata
Family Sphingidae (Sphinx or Hawk Moths), Order Lepidoptera
Physical Description
A large, cylindrical caterpillar with a smooth-textured, segmented lime-green body. It features eight V-shaped white markings along its sides and a distinctive black 'horn' on its posterior end (the last abdominal segment).
Size Estimate
The specimen appears to be a late-instar (mature) larva, measuring approximately 3 to 4 inches (75-100 mm) in length with a diameter similar to a human finger.
Coloration & Markings
Bright lime green overall. Each segment possesses a white or pale yellow V-shaped marking (pointing forward) edged with a dark green or black border. It has a stark black curved horn on the rear.
Web Type
None. As a caterpillar (larva), it does not spin webs, though it may produce a small amount of silk to assist in gripping surfaces or for pupation.
Eye Arrangement
Simple eyes called stemmata, typically six on each side of the head, though they are very small and not clearly visible in this image. They are used for light sensing rather than high-resolution vision.
Leg Characteristics
Features three pairs of small, jointed true legs on the thoracic segments and five pairs of fleshy 'prolegs' on the abdominal segments that provide strong suction-like grip.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Non-venomous. Despite its frightening-looking horn, it has no venom, stingers, or chemical defenses that are harmful to humans.
Medical Significance
None. It is physically incapable of biting or stinging a human. It does not pose a medical threat, though gardeners may find it a nuisance due to plant damage.
Safety Recommendations
No safety precautions are necessary for people. If found on garden plants, they can be easily hand-picked and moved to a non-prized nightshade plant or fed to chickens.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America. It is a common inhabitant of vegetable gardens, agricultural fields, and areas where Solanaceous plants (nightshades) grow.
Behavior & Temperament
A solitary herbivore that spends most of its time feeding on leaves. When threatened, it may rear its front end into a 'Sphinx-like' pose or thrash its head. It is entirely harmless to humans.
Diet & Prey
Strictly herbivorous, feeding primarily on plants in the family Solanaceae, including tomato, tobacco, eggplant, pepper, and potato plants. It can consume vast amounts of foliage in a single day.
Seasonal Activity
Active during the late spring and summer months (June through September). Peak visibility occurs in mid-to-late summer when the larvae reach their maximum size.
Description
The Tomato Hornworm is the larval stage of one of the largest moths in North America. These impressive caterpillars are master of camouflage among tomato vines but are often spotted by their large size or the dark droppings (frass) they leave behind.
Key Features
Lime green body, eight V-shaped white markings on sides, and a black horn on the posterior end. (Note: Tobacco hornworms have straight diagonal stripes and a red horn).
Similar Species
Manduca sexta (Tobacco Hornworm), which has seven straight diagonal stripes instead of V-shapes and a red horn instead of a black one.
Life Cycle
Undergoes complete metamorphosis: Egg, Larva (caterpillar), Pupa (in the soil), and Adult (Five-spotted Hawk Moth). They typically overwinter as pupae buried several inches underground.
Ecological Importance
As larvae, they are a food source for birds and parasitic wasps (like Cotesia congregata). As adult moths, they are vital nocturnal pollinators for various flowering plants.
Conservation Status
Common and widespread. Not listed as threatened; often considered an agricultural pest in garden settings.
Interesting Facts
The 'horn' is purely a visual deterrent and is soft to the touch. The adult moth is often mistaken for a hummingbird due to its large size and ability to hover while feeding on nectar.
Photography Tips
Focus on the side profile to capture the V-shaped markings and the horn for proper identification. Soft, natural light helps emphasize the green texture.
Identified: 2026-07-10T22:18:26.810336