The existence of a hornworm goes through several stages throughout its lifetime. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows into a larva that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar matures, it sheds its skin numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, allowing its physique to expand.
After a series
of molts, the hornworm attains its full size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the pupal stage by fastening itself to a secure surface.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a total reorganization of its body. After a period of time, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful winged appendages.
The adult hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to continue the cycle. After mating,
the female hornworm lays her ova on a appropriate host plant for the next generation. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm repeats again, persisting the
circle of existence for this fascinating creature.
The journey of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly grows into a larva that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts 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 safe area.
Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely distinct creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes
a complete reorganization of its body. After a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with vibrant winged appendages.
The adult hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to proceed the process. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm lays her eggs
on a suitable food source for the offspring. And so, the life span of a hornworm starts over again, persisting the circle of existence for
this amazing creature.
How to Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms The Spruce
