Tobacco Hornworm (larva)

Natural Habitat

Tobacco hornworms are found in agricultural fields, gardens, and other areas where their host plants (primarily tobacco, tomato, and related Solanaceae plants) are grown. They are common in warm temperate and subtropical regions.

Diet & Feeding

The primary diet of the tobacco hornworm caterpillar consists of the leaves of plants in the Solanaceae family, including tobacco, tomato, potato, eggplant, and various weeds like jimsonweed. They can cause significant defoliation to these plants.

Behavior Patterns

Tobacco hornworm caterpillars are voracious eaters, spending most of their larval stage feeding on host plants. They are typically solitary. When disturbed, they may rear the front part of their body in a defensive posture. Mature larvae burrow into the soil to pupate, emerging as large sphinx moths. The moths are nocturnal and are strong, agile fliers.

Risks & Benefits

Potential Risks: As agricultural pests, tobacco hornworms can cause significant damage to crops like tomatoes and tobacco, leading to economic losses for farmers. Potential Benefits: The adult moths serve as pollinators for various night-blooming flowers. In educational settings, they are often used as research subjects due to their large size and ease of rearing.

Identified on: 8/16/2025