Community identification
Tomato hornworm
Manduca quinquemaculata (likely; possibly tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta)
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera; family Sphingidae
- Size
- Larvae commonly reach 7–10 cm (3–4 in); adults have wingspans of about 10–13 cm (4–5 in).
Natural Habitat
Found on tomato, pepper, and related plants in gardens, fields, and woodland edges across North America.
Diet & Feeding
Caterpillars voraciously consume foliage, stems, and sometimes unripe fruit of nightshade plants, especially tomatoes.
Behavior Patterns
Primarily feed at night and hide among leaves or in soil by day. Mature larvae drop into the soil to pupate; adults are strong, hovering nocturnal moths.
Risks & Benefits
They can rapidly defoliate tomato plants and reduce yields, but are harmless to humans and become pollinating hawkmoths. Natural enemies such as parasitic wasps help control them.