Going Green

A close up of a Tomato Hornworm.TOMATO HORNWORM - "Manduca quinquemaculata"
This insect is parasitized by a number of insects. One of the most common is a small braconid wasp. Larva that hatch from wasp eggs laid on the hornworm feed on the inside of the hornworm until the wasp is ready to pupate. The cocoons appear as white projections protruding from the hornworms body. If such projections are seen, leave the infected hornworms in the garden. The wasps will kill the hornworms when they emerge from the cocoons and will seek out other hornworms to parasitize.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• green
• hornworm
• legendhouse
• tomato
• insects
• bugs

[ablheza]

I have one worm with those eggs on filmed, I´ll see if I find that :)

[Legendhouse]

I looks like once the eggs are layed it's too late.I pulled them off but the worm isn't growing or eating much.

[yogaduke]

Nice Job! They got some of my tomatoes before. I don't know what they turn into. I know they sure can eat!! Thanks!*****Duke

[Legendhouse]

Thanks. They turn into some kind of moth. I'll catch that on video too.

[yogaduke]

Thanks that would be cool to see! I give them the big squash when I see them. I just 1 night the can do so much damage!

[Legendhouse]

I normally would but this plant never amounted to anything. Both worms were spiked with the wasp larvae and I puleed them off. They don't seem to be eating much anymore. The don't seem to be moving around the plant much either.

[bucklesfitzerkitten]

leave those worms with eggs on its back alone because when the wasps hatch they kill other hornworms

[Automeris]

Sorry, those are cocoons of the finished wasp. The cat is doomed, and will die--suffering more from malnourishment now, than misery.

The moths are marvelous, and quite beneficial to many night-blooming plants.

[Automeris]

Close but no cigar. That is Manduca sexta, not M. quinquemaculata. You will find the sextas outnumber quinq's by well over 500 to 1 in the wild.

[DebbieVicari]

really kewel video John as always.. love the music you find! Hope the weather has been better for you as of late.