Tomato Hornworm Understanding The Pest And Protecting Your The journey of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its lifetime. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows into a caterpillar that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin numerous times, shedding its old skin for a
new one, enabling its body to expand.
After a series of molts, the hornworm attains 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
surface.
Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a complete reorganization of its physical form. After a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful winged appendages.
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 offspring. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm starts over again, continuing the circle of existence for this amazing creature.
The journey of a hornworm goes through several stages throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows
into a larva that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, enabling its body
to expand.
In the aftermath of a series of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the pupal stage by fastening itself to a safe surface.
Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This metamorphosis is nothing brief of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a complete reorganization of its physical form. Following a period of time, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful winged appendages.
The adult hornworm, now a moth,
seeks a mate to proceed the process. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm lays her ova on a suitable food source for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm starts over again, persisting the cycle of life for this fascinating creature.
- 04/13/01:39
- Hornworm Life Cycle Carolina Knowledge Center
