| Scientific name | Manduca quinquemaculata |
|---|---|
| Group | Moths & Butterflies |
| Size | 75–100 mm (up to about 3.9 in) |
| Colors | Green and White |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Garden or plants |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The tomato hornworm is a large member of the moths & butterflies group. Wings covered in fine scales and a coiled, straw-like tongue. Check for these three features:
- Plump green caterpillar up to four inches long
- White V-shaped markings along each side
- Dark horn on the tail end
About this bug
A huge, bright green caterpillar with white V-shaped marks and a horn on its rear end. It can strip tomato, pepper and eggplant leaves overnight and later becomes a hawk moth.
You'll usually find tomato hornworms in gardens and on plants. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
The horn is harmless; hornworms don't sting or bite.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see tomato hornworms
Tomato Hornworms are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants.
About moths & butterflies
The tomato hornworm is one of the moths & butterflies. Moths and butterflies have wings covered in tiny scales and go through complete metamorphosis. The caterpillar stage does all the feeding and damage, while adults sip nectar or, in some species, don't eat at all.
In pantries and closets, the moths you see flying are a signal. The real problem is the larvae feeding in food or fabric nearby.
What to do about it
- Search plants at dusk and hand-pick caterpillars
- Look for black droppings on leaves below fresh damage
- Leave caterpillars covered in white wasp cocoons to spread beneficial wasps
Frequently asked questions
What does a tomato hornworm look like?
Plump green caterpillar up to four inches long. Adults measure 75–100 mm (up to about 3.9 in).
Does the tomato hornworm bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. The horn is harmless; hornworms don't sting or bite.
Where do tomato hornworms live?
Tomato Hornworms live in gardens and on plants.
When are tomato hornworms most active?
Mostly in summer.