Tomato Hornworm - Manduca quinquemaculata - Five Spotted Hawkmoth
by Carol Senske
Title
Tomato Hornworm - Manduca quinquemaculata - Five Spotted Hawkmoth
Artist
Carol Senske
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The only way I know how to differentiate this caterpillar from the Tobacco Hornworm is by the color of their "horn". If black, it is the Tomato variety; if red, it is the Tobacco variety. This tiny little caterpillar is 1/2" long and I'm betting on it being the Tomato Hornworm. Cute little larva:>) The horn could turn color, however, as it progresses through various instars.
They are considered pests of the plants in the nightshade family or Petunias, too. We do pick them off our tomato plants and try to find something wild for them to chow down on, like nightshade. More often than not we see the eggs of a Braconidae wasp on the more grown up caterpillars, so many do not survive to adulthood in our area.
Here is a bit of a write up on them:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manduca_quinquemaculata
Uploaded
July 12th, 2013
Statistics
Viewed 823 Times - Last Visitor from Mountain View, CA on 04/17/2024 at 10:30 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (6)
Laurie Minor
So cute! I agree with Bob - it does look like a puppy! Wonderful detail! Fave!
Carol Senske replied:
It reminds me of a puppy, too! Playful, loving life:>). Thank you for coming by, Laurie!
Kathy Gibbons
wow great detail ! Reminds me of a long dog a hotdog dog hes adorable !1/2 inch long amazing and you found it ! great work Mother Nature ! Ya know Carol My nick names Mothernature /gator lady/snake lady ;)
Carol Senske replied:
Well, dear young lady, I think your nicknames suit you to a "T", and It's wonderful to see the beautiful way you bring nature to us:>)
Bob Orsillo
Reminds of a puppy :) - Incredible macro, incredible detail VF (great description)
Carol Senske replied:
You know what? You're RIGHT! I think it's the tail and eager posture - pet me, pet me:>)